Title: Liquid metal induction heating modelling for cold crucible applications

Authors: V. Bojarevics, K. Pericleous

Addresses: University of Greenwich, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Park Row, London SE10 9LS, UK. ' University of Greenwich, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Park Row, London SE10 9LS, UK

Abstract: The time dependent numerical model of cold crucible melting is based on the coupled electromagnetic, temperature and turbulent velocity field calculation accounting for the magnetically confined liquid metal shape continuous change. The model is applied to investigate the process energy efficiency dependence on the critical choice of AC power supply frequency and an optional addition of a DC magnetic field. Test cases of the metal load up to 50 kg are considered. The behaviour of the numerical model at high AC frequencies is instructively validated by the use of the electromagnetic analytical solution for a sphere and temperature measurements in a commercial size cold crucible furnace.

Keywords: cold crucible melting; liquid metal induction heating; magnetohydrodynamics; numerical modelling; energy efficiency; cold crucible furnaces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2007.013131

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2007 Vol.29 No.1/2/3/4, pp.70 - 83

Published online: 09 Apr 2007 *

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