Interfacial MHD waves and associated heat distribution due to dynamic electric current interaction In an aluminium electrolysis cell

V. Boyarevich

Institute of Physics, Latvian University, Salaspils-1, LV-2169, Latvia

Abstract
The proposed mathematical model attempts to account for 3D electric current redistribution in a rectangular cell consisting of several liquid and solid layers of variable thickness and conductivity. Small depth approximation hydrodynamic equations are applied to simulate flow and interface dynamics of the two adjacent fluid layers. At discretized time steps the electric current and associated magnetic field are updated, including also the fluid flow ulduced electric current in highly conducting liquid aluminium where magnetic Reynolds number is of order one. Fourier analysis of the evolving waves show that several gravitational wave frequencies are supported by the nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic interaction. Depending on physical parameters the wave amplitudes can grow, leading to an unstable situation, or waves can dissipate due to the turbulent friction and the induced electric current. An Ohmic heat generation and transport within the bath have been found to be closely related to the wave process. Figs 4, refs 8.