Numerical Simulation of thermal convection of a glass melt in a cylindrical induction furnace

Abstract

A mathematical model of heat convection in a cylindrical induction furnace with water-cooled bottom and walls is presented. The model is constructed on the basis of the Solution of thermal conductivity, continuity, and momentum equations in the Boussinesq- Oberbek approximation. Different melting conditions are simulated by Variation of thermal boundary conditions. Investigations of convection currents in glass melts are carried out for model glasses of two types: a) with low effective thermal conductivity (i.e. k_eff = 5 W / ( m * K ) ) and b) with high effective thermal conductivity (i.e. k_eff = 150 W / (m * K)). The model demonstrates strong heterogeneities of the temperature field in the melt and a sharp temperature j u m p at the interface between melt and water-cooled furnace wall, which can lead to the formation of a solidified layer.