Particle-in-flight monitoring in thermal spray processes

A diagnostic system based on non-intensified CCD image sensor is applied for particle-in-flight monitoring of different deposition processes: cold gas dynamic spray (CGDS), computer-controlled detonation spray (CCDS) and direct metal deposition (DMD). An additional illumination source for measuring particle velocity in CGDS and DMD processes is used. Particle velocity measurements are carried out aiming optimization of a Cold Spray nozzle with two zones of powder injection for spaying Al powder. In a pulsed-periodic process like detonation spraying, particle-in-flight visualization and velocity measurements are done by synchronizing detonation pulses with the CCD-camera-based diagnostic tool. A significant variation of particles velocity along the detonation plume is observed. In DMD process, dependence between the carrier gas flow rate and particle velocity is found.