Toward a Simplified Arc Impingement Model in a Direct-Current Electric Arc Furnace

A 2D axisymmetric two-phase model was developed to study the effect of arc impingement on the liquid metal inside an electric arc furnace. The objective was to understand the dynamics of the arc flow, along with the associated heat transfer and magnetohydrodynamics of both the arc and the liquid metal. The methodology involved a parametric study that considered three different parameters to predict the most important contributions of the arc interactions with the liquid metal electrode. Results pointed towards significant influences on the heat transfer dynamics and overall performance of the electric arc furnace, indicating potential optimizations in operational conditions. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge of arc behavior in metallurgical applications and present a framework for future research into enhancing the efficiency of electric arc furnaces.