A mathematical model of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects in an aluminium cell using numerical approximation of a finite element method is presented. The model predicts the current distribution in the cell and calculates the Lorentz force from the external magnetic field in molten metal for cathode blocks with different surface inclinations. The findings indicated that the cathode surface inclinations have significant influence on cathode current density and Lorentz field distribution in the molten metal. The results establish a trend for the current density and associated MHD force distributions with increase in cathode inclination angle, π. It has been found that cathode with π = 5° inclination could decrease 16 to 20% of Lorentz force in the molten metal.
2012, TMS (TheMinerals, Metals & Materials Society )
Editor/Contributor(s)
Suarez CE
Title of proceedings
TMS 2012 : Light metals 2012 : proceedings of the technical sessions presented by the TMS Aluminum Committee at the TMS 2012 Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Orlando, Florida, USA, March 11-15, 2012