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

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.

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