Abstract
Numerical calculations for the cavity flow which simulates Joule-heated glass furnace were executed using finite element analysis (FEA) code. The cavity consists of two electrode plates on facing sides and constant temperature wall on the top working as a heat sink. Relative magnetic permeability (μ_r) of molten glass to air was widely varied from 1 to 10. In case μ_r = 1, magnetic permeability is small, unsteady downflows occurred from top surface of the cavity. However, in case μ_r = 10, magnetic permeability is large, a large and steady upflow appeared in the center of cavity. Magnetic permeability largely affected flow characteristics of the cavity, and it may be able to contribute to stable operation of the glass furnace.
