Investigation on the induction stirring effect in a laboratory scale crucible with the variation of electrical supply parameters

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to study the possibility of controlling the electromagnetic stirrer (EMS) is fundamental in a continuous casting line to achieve the desired properties of homogeneity and mechanical strength in the solidified cast. Design/methodology/approach Coupled electromagnetic (EM) and fluid dynamic (FD) simulations allow to predict the mixing effect on molten metal, in terms of velocity amplitude and shape of the flow. This paper describes the numerical results of EMS effect within a cylindrical crucible, surrounded by a solenoidal inductor, filled with a low melting temperature alloy, i.e. GalInStan. Findings Induced forces and resulting velocity distribution of the flow of the liquid metal have been calculated depending on varying amplitude and frequency of the supplied current. As expected, at a given amplitude of the current supply, the velocity distribution shows a maximum at a certain frequency while the intensity of electrodynamic forces monotonically increase as the frequency increases Originality/value The paper deals with simply models and experiments applied to coupled EM and FD problem, to assess the applied methodology.