Computational methods for the analysis of molten metal electromagnetic confinement systems.

Closed form solutions as well as Finite Element, Volume Integra[ and Boundary Integral numerical methods are reviewed from the viewpoint of electromagnetic confinement system analysis.Particular attention is given to the use of Boundary Integral methodsto obtain a self-consistent solution of the electromagnetic field equations when the conducting body is molten metal with a free surface.The application of Finite Element and Volume Integral methodsto confinement problems involving an assumed free surface contour is reviewed.Closed torm solutions that conveniently yield upper boundestimates of confinement and stirring forces are discussed.A 2-Delectromagnetic casting system isused to focus the discussion of the various methods.Numerical methods (e g., Fast Fourier Transform, eigenvalue decomposition, Preconditioned Conjugate Gradients) that are useful in the analysis of confinement problems are discussed Free surface profiles for several 2-D applications are presented.Suitable methods for 3-D confinement problems are briefly discussed.A substantial reference list is included in the paper.