THE TEMPERATURE PROFILES IN AN ARGON PLASMA ISSUING INTO AN ARGON ATMOSPHERE - A COMPARISON OF MEASUREMENTS AND PREDICTIONS

Experimental measurements and computed results are reported on a nontransferred argon plasma discharging into an argon environment in a laminar regime. The experimental data provide information on the temperature profiles, particularly those close to the torch exit. The mathematical representation of the system involves the simultaneous statement of the equations of continuity, motion, and thermal energy balance for an axisymmetric system, but for fully temperature-dependent property values. On the whole, the theoretical predictions are in very good agreement with the measurements, with the maximum discrepancy being of the order of 5-10%. This augurs well for the extension of this work to more complex systems, also including gas mixtures. © 1990 Plenum Publishing Corporation.