Plasma flow over an array of particles (Q1973084)

Results of numerical analysis are presented for a steady laminar axisymmetric thermal plasma flow over an array of spherical particles for moderate Reynolds numbers. The authors investigate the effects of longitudinal and lateral spacing on the mass and heat transport. The problem is so formulated that the continuum conservation equations for neutrals, ions and electrons are solved in the presence of electric field. For the calculations the authors use a finite volume method and numerically generated orthogonal curvilinear grids. Numerical results show that the drag coefficient and Nusselt number increase if the longitudinal spacing between the particles increases. Additionally, lateral effects diminish exponentially if the spacing increases. A substantial difference is demonstrated between the behaviour of interior particles in the array, and the behaviour of an isolated particle at the same Reynolds number.