Liquid metal free surface deformation in electrically induced vortical flow

V. Dzelme¹ , A. Jakoviċs¹ , E. Baake²

¹ Institute of Numerical Modelling, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas str., Riga, Latvia
² Institute of Electrotechnology, Leibniz University of Hanover, Wilhelm-Busch street 4, Hanover, Germany

Abstract
We study liquid metal free surface deformation in an electrically induced vortical flow system, both numerically and experimentally. A 50 Hz current is applied between a small bottom electrode at the center and a conducting cylindrical side wall, and consequently an upward fluid jet is driven causing a notable free surface deformation. The surface jet height measurements at relatively low currents are in good agreement with the axisymmetric numerical model. Increasing injected current leads to melt swirling and free surface sloshing, which cannot be modelled in an axisymmetric approximation. 3D simulations have revealed the melt rotation and surface instabilities. Tables 1, Figs 6, Refs 12.