Electromagnetic control of convective heat transfer during electron beam evaporation: model experiments

The present paper aims to demonstrate that melt-flow during electron beam evaporation can be effectively controlled by using external magnetic fields to considerably reduce the convective heat transfer. We discuss the various effects of a static magnetic field, a static field combined with an applied electrical current, and a rotating magnetic field. We perform model experiments using GaInSn in eutectic composition as a test liquid. The liquid metal is heated locally at its free surface by an electric resistance heater. The results of the measurements are compared to prediction of numerical simulations.