Behavior of non-conducting particles in molten aluminium cast into electromagnetic molds

V. Timofeev - M. Pervukhin - E. Vinter - N. Sergeev

Siberian Federal University, 79 Svobodny pr., Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia

Abstract
Using numerical simulation, the behavior of non-conducting particles in molten aluminium of a solidifying ingot exposed to an electromagnetic field is studied. Numerical simulation is performed by the ANSYS and FLUENT software packages using a Discrete Phase Model module to calculate the trajectory and distribution of non-conducting particles. Particles migration to the ingot surface is investigated by individual trajectories of differently sized particles. The dynamic pattern of non-conducting particle distribution on the surface of the solidifying ingot was studied. The studies have demonstrated that during casting the non-conducting particles accumulate on the surface near the crystallization front or at the inductor periphery. No particle homogenization in such case occurs in the solidifying ingot. The results obtained explain the accumulation of oxides at the ingot surface under the electromagnetic field, as well as the low nonmetallic content of the ingot. Tables 1, Figs 8, Refs 28.