Parametric study of hybrid argon-water stabilized arc under subsonic and supersonic regimes

Numerical investigation of characteristics and processes in the worldwide unique type of thermal plasma generator with combined stabilization of arc by argon flow and water vortex, the so-called hybrid arc, has been carried out. The aim of this paper is a numerical study of characteristics and processes in the hybrid arc under both subsonic plasma flow regime and transonic and supersonic flow regimes at high currents and argon mass flow rates at atmospheric pressure. The partial characteristics method for radiation loss from the arc is employed. Results carried out for 300-600 A and for argon mass flow rates of 22.5-32.5 slm (standard litre per minute) proved that structure of plasma flow and temperature field can be subsonic or supersonic depending on the operating conditions: a transonic flow occurs for currents 400-500 A, a supersonic one appears for 600 A in the central regions of the discharge.