On three-dimensional magnetic field effects during metal deposition in cuboid cells

This paper will discuss recent experimental and numerical results from the authors' labs on the effects of moderate magnetic fields in electrochemical reactions. It is well established that the influence of the Lorentz force due to external homogeneous magnetic fields, known as magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect, manifests itself in the majority of cases in increased mass transport. However, a careful analysis of the governing equations shows that often a three-dimensional modeling of this effect is necessary. We will present numerical simulations of copper electrolysis in cuboid cells under the influence of homogeneous magnetic fields of different directions in the limiting current regime. In most cases there is a complex interplay of natural and magnetically driven convection. A comparison with recent experimental results (flow and concentration gradient visualization) will be given.

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the German Science Foundation in frame of the collaborative research center 609 "Electromagnetic flow control in metallurgy, crystal growth and electrochemistry"

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