Induction Heating of Titanium Alloys for Extrusion

Wednesday, June 23, 2010: 8:00 AM
407 (Meydenbauer Center)
Dr. Don Li , RTI International Metals, Inc., Niles, OH
Induction heating technology is commonly used for heating titanium billets prior to extrusion.  An induction heating simulation program using finite element method has been developed that is capable of simulating electromagnetic field and thermal effects.   The electromagnetic field, eddy current distribution, and temperature profile of billets of various dimensions and alloys have been computed and studied.  This model has been calibrated based on temperature measurement, and is able to accurately predict the billet temperature profile.  As a result, it provides an effective tool to control induction heating in order to achieve the desired billet temperature profile for extrusion.