Mathematical modelling of the plasma arc behaviour in the vacuum arc remelting process
Résumé
As part of a complete theoretical description of the behaviour of the electric arc in the vacuum arc remelting process, a model has been developed for the column of plasma generated by a single cluster of cathode microspots. The model aims in particular to calculate the distribution of thermal energy transferred by the plasma to the surface of the anodic melt pool. The theoretical approach combines a kinetic model, taking into account the formation of the plasma in the cathodic region, and a hydrodynamic model, describing the expansion of the plasma in the vacuum between the electrodes.