Design and Fabrication of Pilot Scale Linear EMS

Abstract

The important thrust of the present research work is the development of a linear electromagnetic stirrer capable of developing adequate force field to break the dendritic structure that normally ensues during solidification. This technique employs travelling magnetic fields to produce strong convection deep inside the molten metal pool close to the solidification front. Usually, low-frequency magnetic fields are used to improve the penetration depth of induced forces in the molten metal pool. This is in contrast to high frequencies employed in induction heating where the force field inside the melt pool is insignificant. In comparison with induction heating, the stirring of liquid metal is a more complex phenomenon involving the interaction of fluid flow and electro-magnetic fields generated in the molten metal. As a preliminary step towards understanding electromagnetic stirring, the present research work focuses on the basic electrical design, constructional features and characterization of a linear electromagnetic stirrer for liquid metals.