Modeling and experimental verification of induction heating of thin molybdenum sheets

Abstract

This paper deals with the issues relevant for precise finite element method (FEM) modeling of thin molybdenum plates’ induction heating. The proposed methodology describes the step-by-step Multiphysics (electro-thermal) design approach, verified by the experimental measurements. Initially, it was observed that the relative error between model and experimental set-up is within the 1.2% up to 2.5% depending on the location of the measuring points. Further research was focused on the enhancement of the simulation model in the form of its parametrization. It means that it is easy to define the induction coil’s operational parameters and geometrical properties (ferrite shape, operating frequency, the distance between plate and heating element, the value of coil current, etc.). The target of this approach is to be able to determine the optimal operational settings targeting the required heating performance of thin molybdenum plates. One of the main requirements regarding the optimal heating process is temperature distribution within the molybdenum plate’s surface. The proposed model makes it possible to obtain information on optimal operational conditions based on the received results.