Shape optimization of soft magnetic composite inserts for electromagnetic stirrer with traveling magnetic field

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to search optimal shape of soft magnetic composite-based inserts used to compensate the working gap between the liquid metal and the induction stirrer in metallurgical installations. Design/methodology/approach The study was based on numerical simulation of electromagnetic processes in frequency domain. To optimize inserts shape, the Nelder–Mead method was used. The maximum of integral electrodynamic force along x-axis was chosen as the objective function. All simulations were performed in finite element software package Comsol Multiphysics. Findings Optimal inserts shape was determined, at which the value of integral electrodynamic force along x-axis increased by 20% from 692 to 792 N. Originality/value Magnetic concentrators based on soft magnetic composite materials have long been used in high-frequency systems; at the same time, their use in low-frequency systems has not been previously considered in detail. The study of the shape effect of concentrators on the effectiveness of electromagnetic field in a liquid metal in a three-dimensional formulation was carried out for the first time.