Numerical study on the effect of nozzle dimension on particle distribution in cold spraying

The height of rectangular nozzle's exit, throat and powder injector is changed systematically while the nozzle expansion ratio remains constant in order to study their effects on the distribution and velocity of magnesium (Mg) particles using three-dimensional models of cold spraying system. The effect of particle size on the particle distribution is also studied. It is found that the particle distribution is mainly influenced by the turbulent kinetic energy of the carrier gas flow at the nozzle exit. Changing the height of the exit or throat can control the particle distribution. The height of powder injector only influences the particle velocity. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.