Dynamics of falling liquid metal droplets and jets affected by a strong magnetic field

Ch. Karcher - D. Hernández

Institute of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, P.O.Box 100565, D-98684 Ilmenau, Germany

Abstract
Non-contact electromagnetic shaping of liquid metal free surfaces is crucial in several metallurgic processes including bending or stabilization of jets in casting or fusion applications. In this context, we experimentally study the influence of strong axial magnetic fields up to 5 T on the dynamics of falling droplets and jets. As a test melt, we use GaInSn which is liquid at room temperature. In the experiments, we vary the magnetic flux density, the tilt angle, the liquid metal flowrate, and the diameter and material (conducting/non-conducting) of the nozzle. As major results, we find that under the influence of the field, liquid metal droplets are stretched in the field direction, the droplet rotation ceases, and the droplet axis aligns with the axis of the field. Moreover, we observe that the jet break-up into droplets is suppressed and, for the case of conducting nozzle and tilt, jets are bent towards the field axis. Figs 5, Refs 18.