Simulation of the melting process of ZrO₂-SiO₂ in an inductor crucible

V. Frishfelds¹ - A. Jakoviċs¹ - B. Nacke²

¹ Laboratory for Mathematical Modeling of Environmental and Technological Processes, University of Latvia, 8 Zellu str., Riga LV-1002, Latvia
² Institute for Electrothermal Processes, University of Hannover Wilhelm-Busch-Str. 4, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Abstract
Numerical modelling of high frequency inductive melting of ZrO₂-SiO₂ with a high processing temperature in an inductor-crucible furnace is considered. Features of melting of this two-component mixture in comparison with single oxides are discussed. Necessary initial heating of the load is performed either by inserting a metal ring or an additional gas burner at the top of the furnace. Special attention is paid to the formation of holes in the load due to sintering of the material. Basing on the numerical studies, the characteristic power requirements and main heat losses are estimated. Figs 8, Refs 7.