Estimation of Molten Content of the Spray Stream from Analysis of Experimental Particle Diagnostics

Particle melting is one of the key issues in air plasma spraying of high-temperature ceramics such as YSZ. This study aims to estimate the molten content of the spray stream from in-flight particle temperature measurements. Particle temperature distribution is delineated into particle states (unmolten, partially molten, completely molten) as a first approximation, which is then used to estimate the molten content in the spray stream. The estimated percentage of molten content is shown to correlate well with deposition efficiency measurements for a wide range of process conditions and feedstock characteristics. The use of this estimation technique for other materials and processes is also discussed.