The main goal of this work is to improve the coating properties of three-cathode atmospheric plasma sprayed coatings with respect to porosity and residual stresses. This was done by use of numerical simulation coupled with advanced diagnostic methods. A numerical model for the triple injection of alumina feedstock, as well as acceleration and heating of the powder particles in the characteristic threefold symmetrical plasma jet cross section produced by a three-cathode-plasma torch was developed. The modeling results for the standard injector’s position “0” were calculated and experimentally verified by Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA). Based on the criteria defined for concentrated feedstock transport and homogeneous thermal treatment of powder particles in the plasma jet, the optimal injection position was found. In the next step a previously developed, coupled CFD-FEM-simulation model was used for simulations of the coating build-up, describing flattening, solidification and deformation due to shrinkage for alumina particles on a rough substrate surface.

New developments in the field of thermal spraying systems (increased particle velocities, enhanced process stability) are leading to improved coating properties. At the same time innovations in the field of feedstock materials are supporting this trend. The combination of modern thermal spraying systems and new material concepts has led to a renaissance of Fe-based feedstocks. Using modern APS or HVOF systems, it is now possible to compete with classical materials for wear and corrosion applications like Ni basis (e.g. NiCrBSi) or metal matrix composites (MMC, e.g. WC/Co or Cr 3 C 2 /NiCr). The work described in this paper focuses on that combination and intends to give an analysis of the in-flight particle and spray jet properties achievable with two different modern thermal spraying systems (kerosene driven HVOF system K2, 3- cathodes APS system TriplexPro-200/-210) using Fe-based powders. The velocity fields are measured with the Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA). Additionally, resulting coatings are analyzed metallographically with regard to their properties and a correlation with the particle in-flight properties is given. The experimental work is accompanied by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of spray jet and particle velocities, leading to a comprehensive analysis and characterization of the achievable particle properties with state-of-the-art HVOF and APS systems.

The goal of this research group is to homogenize properties of three-cathode plasma sprayed coatings on basis of numerical simulations and advanced diagnostics. Results of the first project phase as well as an outlook to future work are presented. A numerical model for investigation of plasma flow in the free jet, produced by three-cathode torch was developed. Modelling results are verified by plasma diagnostics (Computer Tomography). In order to include particle shrinking effects, coating formation simulation is accomplished by a newly developed model, based on Computational Fluid Dynamics coupled with the Finite Element method, whereat diagnostics carried out in the fields of particle diagnostics. During the next phase of the project, the investigation of the plasma free jet and particle injection by advanced diagnostics and simulation respectively is scheduled. In a subsequent stage the transition from conventional particles to suspensions will be considered. Coating formation simulations are scaled up to dimensions of macroscopic tensile tests. By combining these overarching investigations, appropriate process parameters for homogenized coatings will be obtained.

In the area of atmospheric plasma spraying, newly-developed triple-cathode technologies offer the potential to homogenize the coating properties with respect to porosity and residual stresses. Focused on numerical simulation, combined with advanced diagnostics, the goal of this research group is to adjust these properties systematically. A numerical model that couples fluid dynamic, electro-magnetic and thermal phenomena for a three-cathode torch was developed to investigate the plasma and the electric arc behaviour inside the torch. With help of self-developed computer tomography equipment, which is based on emission spectroscopy, combined with the solution of the Saha equation in thermodynamical equilibrium, it is now possible to reconstruct the 3- dimensional temperature distribution close to the torch outlet. This measurement allows us to confirm the torch numerical modelling. Coating formation is simulated by coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and FEM simulation, so that fluid structure interaction is taken into account. This innovative approach has the advantage to predict residual stresses which occur during cooling and moreover the shrinking effects can be considered. By simulation of the individual regions, in combination with experimental results, which also include the particle velocity, diameter and surface temperature, the corresponding process parameters can be obtained for the desired coating properties.

In order to homogenize the properties of APS sprayed coatings, the spray process was investigated using numerical simulations combined with innovative diagnostic techniques. The process was subdivided into three areas: the plasma torch, the free jet, and coating formation. By simulating these areas separately and combining the results, appropriate process parameters for homogenized coatings were obtained. For a comprehensive computation of coating formation which, besides the impact, flattening, and solidification of particles, includes the mechanical properties of the coating, a volume of fluid algorithm is coupled with a finite element model. In order to verify the modeling of the plasma jet and to provide input data for the coating formation, diagnostic efforts were concentrated on measuring the gas temperature of the plasma as well as particle shape, velocity, and temperature. The results of spatially resolved 3D analysis employing an innovative tomography system are presented and compared with the numerical results.

The disadvantage of plasma torches using conventional single cathode techniques is the occurrence of azimuthal and axial instabilities inside the plasma torch. This causes electrical power fluctuations which result in inhomogeneities of the plasma jet enthalpy and with that an uneven plasma particle interaction. Hence, variations in particle properties occur and consequently an uneven coating quality is produced. Using the triple-cathode technique these electrical power fluctuations were successfully reduced, resulting in a stationary plasma flow. Thus this technique appears to offer the potential to homogenize coating properties. Similar results have been shown for plasma torches with triple anode arrangements. The goal of this research group is to homogenize properties of plasma sprayed coatings using of 3-cathode and 3-anode technologies based on numerical simulations. The approach used is to subdivide the complete APS process into the areas plasma torch, free jet as well as coating formation and characteristics. By simulation of the individual areas and combination with experimental results the corresponding process parameters will be obtained for the desired coating properties.

In this work numerical simulation results of the impact and solidification of molten PYSZ-particles on flat and rough substrate surfaces are presented. This investigation deals with the effect of the particle state prior impact, particle diameter and substrate roughness, on splats spreading behaviour and final morphology. The particles have a diameter range between 20 – 60 µm. Particle initial conditions prior to impact: speed, temperature and melting state, are taken from previous simulation modelling approaches of particle accelerating and heating. Simulations of fluid dynamics, heat transfer and solidification during the particle impact were performed using computational fluid dynamics. Tracing of free surfaces determinates volume of fluid method. Heat flux at the particle-substrate interface and temperature dependent liquid phase viscosity of PYSZ are studied and discussed. Simulated splat morphologies are compared with experimentally obtained splats.