Numerical Simulation of a Non-equilibrium Plasma Jet in an Applied Magnetic Field Using Three-fluid Model

A three-fluid model is applied here for the numerical simulation of the axisymmetric flow and temperature fields in a non-equilibrium argon plasma jet which can be controlled by applying an electromagnetic field. The effects of the magnetic field on the characteristics of each plasma species: electrons, positive ions and neutral particles, should be accurately clarified. The three fluid model applied here can clarify the behavior of each plasma species. Equations of conservation for each plasma species coupled with the generalized Ohm's law, Maxwell's equations and the equation of state are simultaneously solved taking into account variable transport properties. It is shown that the electron temperature is the highest and the electron velocity is strongly influenced by the magnetic field. Furthermore, the momentum and energy exchanges between plasma species can be varied even by a small magnetic flux.