Effects of the stress state generated during the manufacturing process of copper anodes on the moulds: Warping and cracking

The two main problems reducing electrolysis copper anode production are: the excessive warping/bending and the alteration of the flat aspect of the surface of the anodes. Both problems are related to the stress state generated in the anode mould during the manufacturing process of the anodes themselves. In this paper a finite element model is carried out to analyse the thermo-mechanical evolution of the mould during the anode manufacturing process. The responsibility of the stress state in the origin or aggravation (where they already existed) of the aforementioned problems is investigated. Experimental data are used to validate the numerical model, its utility as a design tool being proved.