The question as to whether it is possible to stir glass melts using electromagnetic (Lorentz) forces has been controversially discussed in the he past. A series of accurate experiments is reported in which the buoyancy driven motion of a directly electrically heated glass melt in a cylindrical crucible has been modified by applying an external alternating magnetic field. Using temperature measurements directly in the melt it is demonstrated for the first time that the Lorentz force created in the melt leads to a homogenization of the temperature and density distributions because of an enhancement of the flow. Moreover, evidence is provided for an improvement of the glass homogeneity. The feasibility analysis provides rational possibilities of the application of magnetic fields for electromagnetic flow control in glassmaking processes.
