The magnetohydrodynamics of the coreless induction furnace

An idealized induction furnace, in which the motion is due to thermal buoyancy, is analysed by the simultaneous solutions of the Maxwell, Navier¿Stokes and energy equations commonly used in magnetohydro-dynamics. Temperature and velocity profiles are obtained, and an understanding of the coupling between electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical phenomena is gained. It is shown that, for a given applied magnetic field produced by the exciting coil and a given furnace width, there is an optimum frequency of exciting current which produces maximum motion of the molten charge.