Modeling flowing characteristics of a low-pressure plasma spraying jet under different mixture of gases (Ar, He, N₂)

This study investigates the influence of various gas mixtures on the efficacy of low-pressure plasma jets, seeking to enhance thermal, dynamic, and turbulence characteristics while mitigating the constraints associated with helium scarcity. A comparative analysis is performed to assess how varying gas compositions influence critical plasma characteristics such as temperature, velocity, pressure, and turbulence. The research utilizes the Transition Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model to investigate the transition from laminar to turbulent flow and the fully developed jet behavior. The findings demonstrate that helium, with its low molecular weight, enhances jet velocity but reduces plasma temperature due to rapid expansion and cooling. Nitrogen, on the other hand, significantly improves plasma temperature efficiency through ionization and dissociation processes, while argon plays a stabilizing role, maintaining ionization but exerting minimal impact on the plasma dynamic properties. The interactions between these gases deeply influence heat transfer, particle acceleration, and surface treatments during material processing. The study emphasizes the value of balancing these gas properties to optimize plasma performance for specific industrial applications. This study provides valuable insights into plasma jet optimization, offering strategies to enhance performance, reduce helium dependence, and inform future advancements in plasma technology for various industrial applications.