Book excerpt: Volume 1 of a two-volume work publishes studies of scientific from a number of countries in the area of plasma torch design and properties. Topics covered include mathematical modelling of transformer discharge, physical phenomena in a hollow cathode, modelling of electric arc plasma, problems of turbulent arc modelling, erosion of multiarc cathodes, integrated methods of research of processes in thermal plasma, trends in thermal plasma technology, plasma metallurgy, analysis of induction plasma systems, and many others.