A self-consistent two-temperature model for the computation of supersonic argon plasma jets

This paper presents a two-temperature model for compressible plasma flows. This study concentrates on the behavior of the plasma jet in the expansion region. The conditions used correspond to the conditions of low-pressure plasma spraying, with slightly supersonic conditions with thermal and chemical non-equilibrium. The flow dynamics results are analyzed with different turbulence models and appear to be consistent with results previously published by the authors on the dynamics of low-temperature air jets and favor the Reynolds stress turbulence model. Chemical as well as thermal non-equilibrium are studied. (Author)