Understanding the evolution of a He and He/O2 capillary plasma jet

Abstract

In this study, a two-dimensional axi-symmetric model has been developed in order to shed light into the evolution of a He and He/O2 capillary plasma jet. The plasma jet interacts with a dielectric surface placed normal to the jet axis to bring the model closer to applications. This work examines, from first principles, the shape and speed of the of the plasma bullet, the intensity of the induced electric (IEF) field on the dielectric surface and the underlying dominant chemical reactions of the plasma. Furthermore, the work provides insight and understanding into the mechanisms behind many experimental observations such as the torus (or donut) and sphere plasma bullet shapes for pure Helium and He/O2 plasma, respectively.