Influence of Plasma Torch Nozzle Design on Plasma Arc Analyzed with Finite Element Method

Plasma torch is one of the most important parts for plasma arc generating system. A design of orifices in a nozzle would decide the properties of plasma arc. However, mechanisms of orifice to plasma arc are seldom discussed. In this paper, the plasma arc with two assistant orifices were analyzed by finite element method. It was concluded that the plasma arc would be further compressed in the direction parallel to two assistant orifices, but expand perpendicular to assistant orifices. Through the constriction of two assistant orifices, the shape of the plasma arc would be elliptical other than circular of the oridinary plasma arc. The torch design with two assistant orifices could be available to many fields such as plasma arc welding, especially to a welding torch with a large pressure chamber.