Plasma-particle momentum and heat transfer: Modelling and measurements

Measurements were made of the two‐dimensional flow and temperature field in a d.c. plasma jet under different operating conditions. The particle velocity and the in‐flight particle temperature were also measured for narrow cuts of alumina powders, of mean particle diameters of 18, 23, 39 and 46 μm, injected in the jet. The results are compared with the predictions of a one‐dimensional mathematical model. The measured and computed particle velocities are in good agreement. This is, however, not the case for the particle temperature where considerable differences are observed. An attempt is made to determine the parameters which are often unduly neglected in modelling work and to identify the areas where further work is needed.