Numerical simulation of two-dimensional inductively coupled plasma torch based on FLUENT

Considering plasma as magnetic fluid in which both fluid properties and electromagnetic effects are taken into account, a numerical simulation method is introduced where FLUENT software has been developed to solve electromagnetic equation continuity equation, momentum conservation equation as well as energy conservation equation. The electromagnetic field formulated in terms of vector potential, temperature and velocity profile are obtained. Numerical simulation is carried to investigate the electromagnetic field, temperature and velocity profile of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch. In particular, the physical mechanisms of temperature and velocity profile are emphatically analyzed, which offer a much better way to understand the spheroidization of powders by ICP torch. (authors)