FEM COMPUTATION OF THE FORCES ON THE ARC OF A DC-FURNACE

A finite element model of a DC arc furnace is investigated in order to predict the forces acting on the arc due to the magnetic field. The c urrents have an a priori unknown distribution in the steel tank wall, in the anode, in the melt and in the cathode, so a current flow proble m is analysed in the first step. The current density is solved for in terms of a current vector potential whose edge element representation is used in the subsequent nonlinear magnetic field calculation to act as impressed magnetic field. The current dependence of the shielding p rovided by the steel tank is investigated. It is shown that by providi ng an asymmetrical feed of the current, the force on the arc can be re duced substantially.