Reverse-flow swirl radio-frequency induction plasmatron

Experimentally observed modes of an rf induction (RFI) discharge in argon with reverse-flow swirl stabilization are described. The data on the simulation of RFI plasmatrons are analyzed; it is demonstrated that, for the case of highly swirling flows, a correct inclusion of gasdynamic effects is of most importance. The procedure employed for simulation was previously used in a direct-flow swirl plasmatron with nondiaphragmed outlet to demonstrate that an intense swirling of flow results in the emergence of reverse flow over the entire length of the plasmatron chamber. The direct-flow swirl and reverse-flow swirl stabilization methods are compared from the standpoint of efficiency of plasma jet generation with the aid of calorimetric measurements and numerical simulation of an argon RFI plasmatron of constant geometry. It is demonstrated that the reverse-flow swirl stabilization is more efficient from the standpoint of possible applications of RFI discharge.