This paper deals with the experimental and modeling aspects of the sphere melting technique. This technique is used to infer the velocity in liquid metals by measuring the melting time of solid spheres of the same composition as the bath. The advantages of this technique are that it does not contaminate the bath, it can be used at high superheats and the measurement takes place within a short time. A three dimensional mathematical model has been developed using the SIMPLER algorithm in order to study the melting of a spherical addition initially at room temperature subject to a uniform flow of liquid metal. The melting times are obtained of 50mm and 70mm in diameter Aluminum spheres as a function of the bath temperature and velocity. The experimental apparatus consists of a liquid Aluminum tank revolving inside an electrical resistance furnace (Revolving Liquid Metal Tank). The temperature and velocity of the tank can be controlled, while the spheres are immersed from the top. The melting times of the spheres are measured and compared with the numerical modeling results.
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