Computer simulation of the heat transfer during electron beam melting and refining

A computer model and software for simulation of electron beam melting are d eveloped. A two-dimensional modeling is done, for an ingot, casted in a cyl indrical copper water-cooled crucible. Melting of copper, titanium and alum inum were simulated. The pouring of the molten material increases the energ y input and the depth of the molten pool. In the case of titanium, due to t he molten metal stirring an assumption for limitation of upper surface ingo t temperatures was done. The important role of the temperature distribution , near to cooled crucible wall contact zone, in the process of thermal bala nce is discussed. Some qualitative conclusions for non-steady thermal trans fer in this zone are made. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.