Abstract
Most models used to simulate plasma torch operation consider only the gas domain with the electrodes included as boundary conditions, imposing a current density profile and temperature at the cathode tip. In order to achieve more realistic simulations, it is necessary to include the electrodes and arc column in the calculation domain. This paper discusses some of the issues, factors, and considerations involved in modeling arc-cathode and arc-anode interactions and their effect on the plasma jet. Descriptions of the arc column and plasma jet are based on the coupling of electromagnetic and fluid equations and require thermodynamic, transport, and radiative property values of the gas mixture. In order to capture the stochastic behavior of the arc, it is assumed that the model is 3D and time-dependent.
