Effect of magnetic field on molten pool behavior in vacuum arc remelting process of large-sized titanium alloy ingot
摘要
Large-sized titanium alloy ingots produced by vacuum arc remelting (VAR) technology are susceptible to metallurgical imperfections such as compositional segregation, inconsistent solidification microstructures, black spots, and inclusions. These defects are intricately linked to the electromagnetic effects, temperature distribution, and fluid dynamics during the melting process. The self-induced magnetic field created by the electric current, along with the axial magnetic field applied to stabilize the arc, significantly influences the solidification of titanium alloy ingots. A mathematical model optimized for the integrated analysis of multiple fields—electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal—was developed for the VAR solidification process of titanium alloys. The influence mechanism of electromagnetic field on the macroscopic solidification process of titanium alloy was investigated. The findings indicate the presence of two competing forces within the VAR molten pool, namely, thermal buoyancy and the Lorentz force. Introducing a coupled self-induced magnetic field and elevating the current to 15 kA led to an increase in the molten pool depth by 42.9% and a reduction in the thickness of the mushy zone by 25.2%. The application of a constant axial magnetic field enhances a unidirectional momentum buildup within the molten pool, thereby enhancing the flow velocity and cooling efficiency of melt.