Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Plasma Cutting Torch

摘要

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for analyzing heat transfer and fluid flow patterns in a plasma cutting torch is presented in this study. Based on CFD and heat transfer theory, the numerical model of the nozzle in the plasma cutting torch is developed, and the coupled simulation of the flow fluid and heat transfer is carried out with the semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations (SIMPLE) method. The distributions of the current density, velocity and temperature in the plasma cutting torch, and the torch's pressure are demonstrated. The present study provides a new means of research in this filed, which could be helpful in the future of plasma cutting and welding torches.