Academic Centre
Magnetohydrodynamic Technology Laboratory is part of the Institute of Physics which researches field of applied MHD. Major areas of research are optimization of various metallurgical processes and our specialty lies in understanding and manipulating conductive fluids with electromagnetic fields. In addition to theoretical and numerical models, we greatly focus on experimental approach to challenges in metallurgy. That means our experimental setups range from laboratory scale to real industrial metal furnaces.
Main areas of research:
1. Liquid metal pumps and stirrers
We have studied various MHD pumps and stirrer which are based on rotating permanent magnet systems. Technologies are developed according to industry needs with aim to be further scaled and implemented in industry. Experimental work ranges from small scale laboratory experiments to medium sized (25 t) light alloy furnaces.
2. High performance alloys
Laboratory researches technologies for high performance material manufacturing. The focus here is on 2 areas: light alloy manufacturing (e.g continuous casting) and metal matrix composite material manufacturing.
3. Custom MHD systems
MHD technology range is broad and at a moment we are doing research in:- Velocity measurements in liquid metals using Doppler velocimetry and potential (Vives) probes;
- Optimization of silicon refining process using electromagnetic methods;
- Manufacturing of raw materials for 3D printing purposes;
- Electroslag remelting of titanium;