The influence of traveling magnetic field inductor asymmetric power supply on the liquid metal flow

In modern times, exposure to a liquid metal by a travelling magnetic field is widely applied. There are laboratory studies on the processes of stirring and crystallization under the action of a traveling magnetic field. However, in the majority of studies it is assumed that the inductor power supply of the linear induction machine is carried out by a symmetrical three-phase system of currents with an equal phase shift, which, in some cases, is not quite correct. To approximate the model to real operating conditions, a numerical simulation of the magnetic field and the flow of liquid metal was carried out when supplied from a power source of symmetric three-phase voltage. The distortion of magnetic field, which, in turn, causes an nonuniform distribution of forces and the flow of a liquid metal, is shown. Evaluation of asymmetrical effect on the liquid metal flow was carried out by means of finite element method. That effect is caused by different coefficients of mutual coils induction of the linear induction machine, which is confirmed by experimental data.