Work

Experimental Analysis of Magnetic Focusing of the Plasma Arc of a Cutting Torch

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to verify the possibility of stabilizing and focusing a plasma column generated by a plasma cutter. The simulation performed by the COMSOL Multiphysics software is based on the actual configuration and geometry of the burner. This article presented a universal computational method based on FEM simulations, focusing on the deflection of the current of electrically charged particles in a magnetic field within the context of a plasma cutting torch. The simulations estimate the optimal shape and positioning of a focused electron beam for various magnetic lens positions and plasma stream energies, revealing that higher initial electron energies lead to a more even beam focus. Among the configurations tested, positioning the cathode 3 mm above the ring-shaped permanent magnet proved most effective, maintaining beam linearity and minimizing electron scattering, making it suitable for practical implementations.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18081811

Authors: Martin Marek, Dejan Brkić, Pavel Praks, Tomáš Kozubek, Jaroslav Frantík

Institutions: VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, College of Polytechnics Jihlava, University of Nis

Language: English

Topic: Vacuum and Plasma Arcs

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: European Commission