Simulation results of an inductively-coupled rf plasma torch in two and three dimensions for producing a metal matrix composite for nuclear fuel cladding
Abstract
I propose to develop a new method for the synthesis of metal matrix composites
(MMC) using aerosol reactants in a radio frequency (RF) plasma torch. An inductivelycoupled
RF plasma torch (ICPT) may potentially be designed to maintain laminar flow
and a radial temperature distribution. These two properties provide a method by which a
succession of metal layers can be applied to the surface of SiC fibers. In particular, the
envisaged method provides a means to fully bond any desired metal to the surface of the
SiC fibers, opening the possibility for MMCs in which the matrix metal is a highstrength
steel.
A crucial first step in creating the MMC is to test the feasibility of constructing
an ICPT with completely laminar flow in the plasma region. In this work, a
magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model is used along with a computational fluid dynamic
(CFD) software package called FLUENT© to simulate an ICPT. To solve the
electromagnetic equations and incorporate forces and resistive heating, several userdefined
functions (UDF) were written to add to the functionality of FLUENT©. Initially,
an azimuthally-symmetric, two-dimensional model was created to set a test baseline for
operating in FLUENT© and to verify the UDF. To incorporate coil angle and current
leads, a fully three dimensional model UDF was written. Preliminary results confirm the
functionality of the code. Additionally, the results reveal a non-mixing, laminar flow
outer region for an axis-symmetric ICPT.
Citation
Holik III, Eddie Frank (Trey) (2008). Simulation results of an inductively-coupled rf plasma torch in two and three dimensions for producing a metal matrix composite for nuclear fuel cladding. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2363.