Electromagnetic and fluid flow phenomena in a mercury model system of the electromagnetic casting of aluminum

A mathematical formulation has been developed to represent the electromagnetic force field and the velocity field in the melt for the electromagnetic casting of aluminum. The theoretical predictions based on fundamental considerations are compared with experimental measurements obtained on a physical model system. The measurements and predictions were found to be in good agreement, regarding both the velocity fields and the electromagnetic force fields. The principal conclusion emerging from this work is of critical importance in achieving the dual objective, that is providing a restraining force, while minimizing the melt velocity perpendicular to the free surface. The mathematical formulation presented in the paper provides the theoretical framework for quantitatively defining these conditions in terms of the coil and the shield parameters.