A numerical model of an argon jet exiting a LPPS torch has been developed and validated against enthalpy probe measurements for a slightly overexpanded jet at a chamber pressure of 100 mbar. Visualization of the jet using a CCD camera shows the presence of a small Mach reflection in the first compression-expansion cell with only oblique shock waves in the second cell. This jet topology is also observed in the model results. The images of the enthalpy probe on the axis of the plasma jet reveal that the shock layer, or shock-probe distance, varies according to the axial location of the probe. Shock-probe distance can be as large as 3 mm and should be considered when mapping plasma jets. Paper includes a German-language abstract.

This paper discusses the advantages of low-pressure plasma spraying along with recent improvements in LPPS technology. It also reviews current and emerging applications and examines the microstructure of different coating materials deposited using low-pressure plasma spraying techniques. Paper includes a German-language abstract.

This paper investigates the effect of chamber pressure on plasma jet expansion characteristics. It presents images of the plasma jet corresponding to different chamber pressures and torch parameters and correlates them with enthalpy probe and pressure measurements recorded in different areas of the torch nozzle. A transition from an over-expanded to an under-expanded flow regime, as evidenced by a change in jet topology, is shown to be a function of chamber pressure. This transition pressure strongly depends on torch parameters and is characterized by an estimation of a rarefaction parameter based on nozzle exit and chamber pressure. At low chamber pressures, a progressive change from a continuum to a transition flow regime is shown by the thickening of the shock structures. Paper includes a German-language abstract.

This paper describes an experimental investigation of plasma jet properties of a DC torch operated at low pressure (below 10 mbar). A modified enthalpy probe system is described, which allows gas sampling from the plasma jet at pressures down to the mbar range. Measurements of the specific enthalpy, temperature and velocity throughout the jet for different pressures are presented and discussed. In the pressure range investigated, the jet flow is supersonic and compressible theory is used to infer the velocity from the dynamic pressure measured at the probe tip. In addition, optical emission spectroscopy of the plasma jet is used to evidence the differences of these low-pressure plasmas with respect to common, atmospheric pressure thermal jets. These preliminary measurements are the starting points towards a better understanding of plasma jets at low operating pressures in view of new process development and optimisation.

The coating characteristics of plasma sprayed layers are strongly related to the spray parameters and the gun design which also determine the state of the sprayed powder particles upon impact. On-line optical measurements of particle velocity and temperature can be used for the optimization of the spray parameters as they provide information of both, characteristic of the coating as well as process stability and performance of the plasma process. With the DPV-2000 diagnostic system the correlation between particle and coating characteristics have been investigated, especially for the new Triplex technology. Differences observed in the distribution of the particle properties between the Triplex and F4 gun are due to different standard spray parameters and correlated to the inherent difference of the operation principle of both plasma guns. The typical three fold symmetry of the Triplex plasma and powder injection is observed within the particle distribution pattern which also depends on the type of powder and spray parameter used. With the help of DPV-2000 measurements it is also possible to demonstrate the excellent process stability of the Triplex gun and to define and adjust parameter windows for different applications in order to obtain the desired range of coating properties. The advantages of the DPV-2000 diagnostic should also contribute to an enhanced basic understanding of new spray processes such as the LPPS Thin Film technology. Experiments have been performed to prove the feasibility of particle diagnostics under these special spray conditions. First results are presented.

LPPS Thin Film is a new technology for the production of thin functional coatings. The coatings produced can fill the well known gap of coating thickness between conventional thin films (PVD, CVD and others) and conventional thermally sprayed coatings (Plasma, HVOF and others). The application is successful, if the advantages of the new technology (large areas can be dense coated within a very short time) are combined with the specific properties of thermally sprayed coatings to the benefit of the intended application. Beside the technology of LPPS Thin Film and it's characteristics the paper will summarise important properties of Alumina described in the literature and present some corresponding properties of Aluminium oxide coatings produced by LPPS Thin Film.

Plasma spray coating has achieved outstanding technological and commercial progress. However the underlying fundamentals still require a better understanding to overcome some limitations coming from, in particular, the instabilities of the arc and the strong erosion of the electrodes. In this paper we present experimental investigations of the fluctuating behavior of a Sulzer Metco F4 gun operated at atmosphere. The temporal evolution of the torch voltage and current, and of the plasma jet emission have been measured, hi addition, an optical fiber inserted inside the gun allows to measure fluctuations of the arc emission directly. Depending on the external parameters, different modes of operation have been identified. In the "restrike" mode which prevails for spraying-relevant operation conditions, detailed analysis of the voltage signals and corresponding arc and jet light emission reveals different categories of voltage drops corresponding to arc interruptions or reconnections. Spectral analysis of the different fluctuation signals shows clearly-defined peaks in the frequency range 3-30 kHz which are attributed to the arc motion and restrike inside the torch. The dependence of these peaks on operation conditions in terms of gas flows and composition, and gas injection geometry is presented. In addition a study of the effect of electrode aging on the torch fluctuations is reported.

The production of functional coatings using Low Pressure Plasma Spraying (LPPS) has been successfully introduced into industrial application. Especially in the area of gas turbine coatings for resistance to hot gas corrosion, the efficiency and reliability of the LPPS process for consistent high quality coatings has provided it's leading position within the aircraft and energy market. Functional coatings with a specific thin coating thickness are interesting for many applications. In addition to the benefit of saving material, which is not required for the coating function itself, and the subsequent cost savings within the coating process, further advantages such as greater flexibility in the construction of the end product will be possible. This paper discusses the potential of LPPS technology in the area of thin coatings. Paper includes a German-language abstract.