Modeling Of Metal Power Synthesis Using A Particle Trajectory Method In An Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch

The thermal plasma torch is a good tool for nanomaterials synthesis as they have high energy density and large plasma volume to allow long residence time of nanoparticles. A numerical model that combines a plasma fluid simulation and a particle growth calculation based on the particle trajectory is suggested in this presentation. The simulation is conducted in two steps. One is magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of an inductively coupled thermal plasma, and the other is a growth and transport analysis of metal powders in Lagrangian scheme. The MHD simulation solves only the ICP torch, and the particle simulation solves the growth and the transport of metal powders in saturated plasma conditions. Metal powders pass through the plasma by Lorentz force, gravitation force, drag force, and stochastic force, where the last one induces the Brownian motion of particles in the plasma fluid. The calculation of metal powders' trajectory includes condensation, evaporation, coagulation, and nucleation as well. The effects of important control parameters on the generation of nanoparticles are investigated for the variation of the feeding nozzle position, the flow rate of quenching gases, and the flow rate of sheath gas (H2). Feeding nozzle position controls the start point of the metal powder, and the quenching and the sheath gas control the plasma temperature and velocity. The effects of vapor pressure, boiling temperature, and latent heat are investigated on the growth and the transport of metal powders also. The simulation results compare well with the experiment results measured in Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS).