Modeling and Characterization of Surface Deformation and Current Distribution of Molten Droplets Under Electromagnetic Levitation

Electromagnetic levitation technology is used in the preparation of new materials and the study of metallurgical reactions. However, the surface deformation of droplets in the levitation process can introduce errors in the experimental measurements. The modeling and characterization of molten droplet surface deformation and current distribution under electromagnetic levitation are studied in this paper. The results show that under the influence of surface tension or other factors such as electromagnetic force, molten droplets will oscillate and deform, before finally attaining a relatively stable configuration. Under the conditions of the present work, the relationship between surface current density and applied current is y = 142.65 x² + 35,998.53 x + 1.14 × 10⁸ and the deformation ratio of the droplet (longitudinal diameter/transverse diameter) is least when the applied current is 470 A. When the current is less than 470 A, the longitudinal diameter of the droplet is greater than the transverse diameter. However, when the current is greater than 470 A, the transverse diameter is greater than the longitudinal diameter.