Magnetohydronamic and thermal behavior of electroslag remelting slags

The paper is based on the development and use of a mathematical model that simulates the electroslag remelting (ESR) operation. The model assumes axisymmetrical geometry and steady state. Maxwell equations are first solved to determine the electromagnetic forces and Joule heating. Next, coupled fluid flow and heat transfer equations are written for the two liquids (slag and liquid metal). Thek-ε model is used to represent turbulence. The system of coupled partial differential equations is then solved, using a control volume method. Using the operating parameters as inputs, the model calculates the current density, velocity, and temperature throughout the fluids. This paper is concerned with fluid flow and heat transfer in the slag phase. After being validated by comparing its results with experimental observation, the model is used to evaluate the influence of operating variables, such as the fill ratio, and the thermophysical properties of the slag.