Simulation of induction heating process with radiative heat exchange

Purpose: Numerical modelling of induction heating process is a complex issue. It needs analysis of coupled electromagnetic and thermal fields. Calculation models for electromagnetic field analysis as well as thermal field analysis need simplifications. In case of thermal field calculations, correct modelling of radiative heat exchange between the heated charge and inductor's thermal insulation is essential. Most commercial calculation programs enabling coupled analysis of electromagnetic and themal fields do not allow taking into consideration radiative heat exchange between calculation model components, which limits thermal calculations only to the charge area. The paper presents a supplementation of the program Flux 2D with radiative heat exchange procedures. Design/methodology/approach: Commercial program Flux 2D designed for coupled electromagnetic and thermal calculation (based on finite element method) was supplemented with authors program for radiative heat exchange based on numerical integration of classic equations. Findings: Supplementation EM-T calculations with radiative heat exchange between charge and inductor enables to calculate thermal insulation parameters and increase precision of modelling. Research limitations/implications: Procedures for radiative heat exchange enables calculation of two surfaces (flat or cylindrical) with finite dimensions. The surfaces can be displaced relative to each other (charge shorter or longer than thermal insulation of inductor). Material of surfaces is modelled as: flat, diffuse, radiant surfaces absorb energy evenly in the whole spectrum (grey bodies). The whole system is modelled as in a steady thermal state (quasi-steady). Originality/value: Authors program extends Flux 2D features with a possibility for calculating radiative heat transfer. The application of radiative process is possible between all components of the studied model, not only for the boundary conditions.