Effect of longitudinal magnetic field on the droplet evolution during electroslag remelting

I. Protokovilov¹ - V. Shapovalov¹ - V. Porokhonko¹ - T. Beinerts²

¹ E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute, 11 Kazymyr Malevych str., 03150 Kiev, Ukraine
² Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera str., Salaspils LV-2169, Latvia

Abstract
Effects of an applied longitudinal magnetic field on the droplet evolution during electroslag remelting are investigated. Studies were carried out using an optically transparent physical model filled with a ZnCl₂-based electrolyte, in which a consumable electrode made of Wood's alloy was melted. Results of physical simulations were verified by full-scale electroslag remelting of titanium electrodes. The simulations showed that the longitudinal magnetic field changed the pattern of hydrodynamic flows, which, in turn, affected the features of electrode melting and the transfer of droplets. It is shown that the application of a magnetic field enhances the electrode melting rate and the frequency of the electrode metal droplet detachment. In this case, the droplets have a smaller size, travel a longer path in the liquid pool, and the contact place of their fall on the liquid metal surface becomes more dispersed. Tables 3, Figs 9, Refs 9.