Effect of Crucible Parameters on Planar Flow Melt Spinning Process

Abstract

2D numerical simulation of planar flow melt spinning process was accomplished employing transient analysis of fully coupled fluid flow and heat transfer using CFD software—Ansys Fluent. Fe–B–Si alloy was chosen as the candidate alloy. In the PFMS process, the molten alloy flowed from a crucible through a nozzle slit onto a rotating copper wheel, where a puddle was formed and from which a continuous amorphous ribbon was spun. The objective of the investigation was to examine the melt flow through the crucible nozzle slit on the melt puddle formation and its stability over time as a function of: (a) the effect of gas ejection pressures taken between 0.1 and 0.35 kg/cm2; (b) the nozzle slit widths ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 mm; and (c) the amount of alloy used which was 0.5 kg. Herein, the dynamics of the development of the puddle immediately after melt ejection, the stability of puddle, the ribbon thickness, puddle oscillation and temperature distribution were examined. Simulations indicate that the puddle lengths and ribbon thickness were found to increase linearly with increase in gas ejection pressure; pinning of the liquid puddle at the nozzle edge was found for low gas ejection pressure which caused continuous air entrapment leading to defective amorphous strips. Heat transfer characteristics were also investigated.