Heat transfer in a cylindrical crucible with liquid metal under continuous and reverse action of traveling and rotating magnetic fields

S. Khripchenko - S. Denisov

Institute of Continuous Media Mechanics UB RAS, 1 Acad. Korolev str., 614013 Perm, Russia

Abstract
This paper presents an experimental study on heat transfer in a cylindrical crucible filled with a gallium alloy exposed to travelling and rotating magnetic fields applied in reverse and continuous modes. The thermal energy from the heater located on the top surface of the alloy was transferred to the thermostatically controlled bottom of the crucible. Flows of different topologies and power were generated in the alloy. Excitation of a toroidal flow in the crucible led to an increase in heat transfer compared to the situation when the fluid in the crucible is stationary. The poloidal flow further increased the heat transfer. It has been found that the excitation of an additional toroidal flow significantly impedes the heat transfer caused by the poloidal flow. The results of the experiments demonstrate that under the travelling magnetic field applied in a reverse mode, heat transfer is determined by the period during which the magnetic field is reversed. It is also shown that during short periods the heat transfer is stronger than under the continuously applied travelling and rotating magnetic fields. Figs 9, Refs 14.