Taguching the Atmospheric Plasma Spraying Process: Influence of Processing Factors on Droplet Impact Properties Obtained on Dense ZrO_2 and H_2Ar75% Plasma Gas

摘要

In this paper a study of the atmospheric plasma spraying process was conducted. The Jets&Poudres code was used to solve the partial differential equations for the conservation of mass, momentum and energy involved in the problem together with the K-e turbulent model. The Taguchi technique was used to study the influence of processing factors on droplet impact properties obtained on dense zirconia (ZrO_2) under H_2Ar75% plasma gas that allow optimal functioning condition. The test of the operating parameters for the studied ranges showed that the "thermal power" factor plays a key role on the state of sprayed powder. It was found also that the carrier gas flow rate and the powder size do not influence the dispersion of the impact behavior of droplets/particles. The validation of the chosen levels combination was conducted on the Jets&Poudres code and showed good agreement with the results predicted by the Taguchi technique.