Numerical Study on Particle Trajectories Close to the Substrates in Thermal Spray Processes with High-Kinetic and Low-Pressure Conditions

In thermal spray processes, the interaction between the gas jet and the particulate feedstock can affect the coating build-up mechanisms considerably. Especially under high-kinetic and low-pressure conditions, small particles are subjected to rapid deflection and velocity changes close to the substrate. In this work, numerical studies were performed to investigate the particle trajectories in the substrate boundary layers (BL). Typical conditions for suspension plasma spraying (SPS) and plasma spray-physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) were taken as a basis. Particular importance was attached to the consideration of rarefaction and compressibility effects on the drag force. The particle impact conditions in the different thermal spray processes are compared. Possible effects on the resulting coating build-up mechanisms and microstructure formation are discussed.