Using finite element method and k-ε turbulence mo de l, liquid flows and surface
distortion of aluminum liquid in a
reduction cell ar e calculated based on three-dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equat ion. The calculation is carried out on ANSYS platform. In general, the vertica l flow on
interface of two liquid layers is much weaker than the horizontal flow s drived by electro-magnetic forces. Flow fields of molten electrolyte and alum inum liquid are solved separately. The surface distortion of aluminum liquid is calculated from the pressure difference on the liquid interface based on pressur e continuous condition. Numerical example of 230 kA
reduction cell is presente d. The numerical results indicate that the horizontal flows approximately consi st of two vortices. The surface rises up in central area of one vortex, the surf ace sets down in central area of another vortex. The flow velocity increases out wards from vortex center. The flow velocity reaches maximum at close to cell wal l and rapidly decreases to zero. The order of magnitude of flow velocity compute d and the interface distortion profile computed are in agreement with measured d ata of 230 kA reduction cell that has been operated for five months.