Numerical and experimental results on Lorentz force driven flows during electrodeposition of copper in homogeneous magnetic fields

Lorentz forces due to external magnetic fields are well known to force electrolyte flow and thereby to influence mass transport in electrochemical reactions. To achieve a quantitative understanding of this so called “MHD effect” and maybe to tailor it, it is crucial to study the magnetically driven convection in as much detail as possible. The present work aims to further clarify the role of magnetically forced convection during copper electrolysis in cuboid cells with vertical wall electrodes. Homogeneous magnetic fields of different directions are investigated. This paper presents results of threedimensional numerical simulations which are compared with new and detailed three-dimensional PIV measurements of the electrolyte flow. The influence of the convection on integral quantities as the limiting current is discussed.