Simulation results of an inductively-coupled rf plasma torch in two and three dimensions for producing a metal matrix composite for nuclear fuel cladding

I propose to develop a new method for the synthesis of metal matrix composites (MMC) using aerosol reactants in a radio frequency (RF) plasma torch. An inductivelycoupled RF plasma torch (ICPT) may potentially be designed to maintain laminar flow and a radial temperature distribution. These two properties provide a method by which a succession of metal layers can be applied to the surface of SiC fibers. In particular, the envisaged method provides a means to fully bond any desired metal to the surface of the SiC fibers, opening the possibility for MMCs in which the matrix metal is a highstrength steel. A crucial first step in creating the MMC is to test the feasibility of constructing an ICPT with completely laminar flow in the plasma region. In this work, a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model is used along with a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software package called FLUENT? to simulate an ICPT. To solve the electromagnetic equations and incorporate forces and resistive heating, several userdefined functions (UDF) were written to add to the functionality of FLUENT?. Initially, an azimuthally-symmetric, two-dimensional model was created to set a test baseline for operating in FLUENT? and to verify the UDF. To incorporate coil angle and current leads, a fully three dimensional model UDF was written. Preliminary results confirm the functionality of the code. Additionally, the results reveal a non-mixing, laminar flow outer region for an axis-symmetric ICPT.