Effect of chamber pressure on the output characteristics of a low-pressure DC plasma torch

Abstract

This study explores the effects of chamber pressure on the electrical and thermodynamic characteristics of a low-pressure thermal plasma jet. The investigation focuses on current–voltage characteristics, arc voltage fluctuations, plasma jet temperature, electron density, and velocity within the range of 100–500 A arc current, at chamber pressures of 100 Pa, 1 kPa, and 3 kPa. Spectral analysis of the arc voltage reveals the presence of distinct frequencies, including restrike, Helmholtz, and acoustic modes, which exhibit varying behavior under different chamber pressure conditions. Restrike frequency shows an increase with decreasing chamber pressure, while Helmholtz frequency remains unaffected, and the power density of the acoustic frequency diminishes, eventually disappearing from the spectrum. The transition of the plasma jet from a continuum regime to a frozen state with decreasing chamber pressure is observed along with its shock structures. Optical emission spectroscopy is utilized to map the excitation temperature and electron density profile along the jet axis, demonstrating that the jet temperature and density peaks at the compression zone. Furthermore, Mach probe measurements of the plasma jet velocity at different axial locations, under various chamber pressure conditions, illustrate that the plasma jet maintains a supersonic state, regardless of chamber pressure. However, after the formation of a Mach disk, the jet velocity becomes subsonic. The highest velocity is achieved at 100 Pa chamber pressure, reaching Mach 2.9 at 50 mm from the anode exit. This research enhances our understanding of thermal plasma jets under low-pressure conditions, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their applications across various domains.