Influence of Time-Modulation of Applied Current on Arc Stability in DC Pulsed Plasma Spray Torch

Conventional direct current arc plasma spray torches generate highly unstable plasma jets. This leads to some difficulties with control of coating properties especially when injecting liquid feedstock for the elaboration of finely structured coatings. At constant applied current, a properly designed arc plasma torch can work in self-sustained pulsed mode that produces large amplitude oscillations of the arc, which are interrupted by very repeatable restrikes. This paper investigates the influence of the modulation of the applied current on the arc stability. Electrical and acoustic diagnostics permit to show that amplification of arc oscillation and a stabilizing mechanism occur when the arc current frequency approaches the torch resonance frequency. Time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy is used to determine temperature and enthalpy profiles close to the resonance and the enthalpy modulation.