NUMERICAL-ANALYSIS OF MOLTEN-METAL SHAPE IN COLD CRUCIBLES BY 3D FEM

A three-dimensional finite-element method with the edge finite element and the H-phi formulation technique has been adopted to analyze the e lectromagnetic field distribution in cold crucibles of different desig ns. The calculated magnetic flux density distribution and the meniscus shape of the molten metal agreed well with the measured values. The i nfluences of the slit width, segment number of the cold crucible, freq uency and position of the induction coil on the magnetic flux density distribution in a continuous casting type cold crucible have been calc ulated. The effects of density and electrical conductivity of liquid m etals as well as the frequency of the induction coil on the meniscus s hape of the melts have also been studied. Using the information obtain ed from the results of the calculation, four different designs of bott om support type cold crucibles were compared and an optimum design of cold crucible for melting reactive metals has been proposed.