Mathematical models of physical fields in aluminum electrolysis cells

O. G. Provorova¹ - V. V. Pingin² - V. V. Ovchinnikov¹ - T. V. Piskazhova¹ - D. A. Gorin²

¹ Krasnoyarsk State University, 660062 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
² Krasnoyarsk Aluminum Plant, 660111 Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Abstract
The paper describes mathematical models of VSS cell electric, magnetic and hydrodynamic fields (Moreau-Evans method). The computations were carried out using the following inputs: stud current distribution, collector bar current distribution, inducted B gradients along the cell perimeter. The models allow to develop a two-dimensional current density map of the anode, bath, metal, cathode bottom and also inducted B vectors in metal, metal flow patterns and metal-bath boundary configuration. Based on experimental metal flow patterns data a method has been developed to determine a drag coefficient used to compute the metal movement velocity. Computation results are shown for ?-8?? cell design. Tabl. 1, figs 4, refs 13.