Numerical modeling of temperature field in the system of graphite crucibles during electric arc synthesis of metal carbides and borides

The increasing demand for materials with unique physical properties creates the need for new methods of obtaining such materials. One of the most promising is the method of synthesis of substances using energy of arc discharge generated in atmospheric conditions, in this way it is possible to obtain carbides and borides of various metals. This method is distinguished by the possibility of realization in open air environment and relatively short duration of working process. One of the problems that arise in the development of technologies based on this method is to find the most appropriate operating parameters of the set. The solution of this problem only by experiment is very resource-consuming. It is advisable to use numerical modeling here. The proposed paper describes a numerical model of thermal processes in an electric arc reactor based on the heat conduction equation with a surface heat source. Using experimental measurements the heat transfer coefficient between the reactor elements is determined. The operability of the developed numerical model and the method of setting the surface heat source is demonstrated. The numerical model will be used to optimize the parameters of the arc plasma source in the practical implementation of materials synthesis using the method described here.