Study of dynamical behaviour of the plasma in a dc non-transferred plasma torch using fast imaging

The dynamical behaviour of the plasma in a dc non-transferred plasma torch is the result of complex interactions between various forces acting on the plasma column. We have studied this behaviour in a novel experiment comprising a low power (∼25 kW) torch and fast imaging diagnostics. The nitrogen gas plasma torch was operated at atmospheric pressure for a wide range of gas flow rates (20-60 lpm) and currents (70-120 A). A strong axial external magnetic field (100-500 G) was introduced and end-on images of the plasma column were captured using a high speed camera of frame rate ∼117 000 fps. The studies have yielded dominant role of external magnetic on the arc root dynamics. The column is clearly distinguishable in three main parts: central plasma, cathode-anode junction, and radial component of column that attaches to the anode. The dynamics of the column, especially the angular rotational speed of the radial part of the column, is analyzed in detail in terms of the forces that act upon it. The nature of the arc root attachment is observed to vary with variation in main experimental parameters, such as current, magnetic field, and flow. Arguments are invoked to explain the observed phenomena and a model of the physical processes is presented to explain the phenomena.