Numerical Simulation of Electroslag Remelting Process for Producing GH4169 under Different Current Frequency

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of the physical processes that occur in Electroslag Remelting (ESR) process under steady state conditions and axisymmetric was performed using the simulation software MeltFlow. The detailed plots of current distribution, volumetric heating, flow, temperature and turbulent mixing provide insight into the various physical phenomena that occur in ESR process. The effect of current frequency on various physical fields was analyzed. It is shown that, the current in the slag tends to become more uniform due to the low electrical conductivity of the slag; after the current enters the ingot, the skin effect increases with the increase of the current frequency; the Joule heating and the Lorentz force are highest near the tip of the electrode in the slag, and increase with the increase of the current frequency; the velocities in the slag are slightly higher than those in the molten metal pool; with the increase of the current frequency, the liquidus temperature moves down, and the molten metal pool is deepened. Simulation results agree well with experimental results. Therefore, the generation and extent of defects could be predicted in different process.