Creating slag through magnetic compression

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using magnetic pressure to transform solid metals into a slag or liquid-like state. Participants explore the concept of applying magnetic forces to compress metals and the potential for heating them to a melting point, with a focus on theoretical applications rather than established technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the idea of using magnetic pressure to reduce metals to a slag state, questioning if sufficient magnetic force could change the state of solid metal.
  • Another participant mentions electromagnetic induction as a method for heating and melting metals, expressing confusion over the term "magnetic pressure."
  • A participant clarifies that they meant using magnetic forces to create a compressive effect on metals, similar to a car crusher.
  • Some participants suggest that while crushing metals with electromagnets is conceivable, it may be more expensive than traditional methods.
  • One participant points out that the heating of metals is primarily due to resistive losses from eddy currents rather than direct magnetic force, raising questions about the definitions of force in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality and mechanisms of using magnetic forces for melting metals. There is no consensus on the feasibility of the original idea or the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding of the underlying physics, particularly regarding the definitions and roles of magnetic forces and heating mechanisms in metal processing.

Thurirl
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This is simply a top of the head idea that seems kinda cool but I don't really know what it could be good for. My idea was, would it be possible through the use of magnetic pressure can a metal be reduced to a slag or almost liquid like state? I know that more than likely it isn't possible due to magnets losing strength in high heat environments but if the heat issue could be bypassed then in the end could a solid metal be put under enough pressure through magnetic force to change states? Sorry if this has already been asked and answered, tried looking but couldn't quite find anything to answer my question. Again this is mainly out of curiosity of if will work or not.
 
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Electromagnetic induction is used to heat (and melt) metals. Induction cooktops work this way. I'm not sure what you mean by magnetic pressure.

 
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ChemAir said:
Electromagnetic induction is used to heat (and melt) metals. Induction cooktops work this way. I'm not sure what you mean by magnetic pressure.


Ya this is exactly what I was meaning, and you I think by magnetic pressure I was meaning that through the use of the push and pull of magnetism create what would basically be a press or compressing force on the metal and then applying enough of said force to crush or squish the metal and possibly put enough force on it to change states from a solid state to a semi solid or even liquid like state. Kinda like the video but as more of a crushing force then induction.
 
If your aim is to smash or crush objects using emf consider Coilgun and Railgun .

220px-Coilgun_animation.gif


285px-Railgun_usnavy_2008.jpg
 
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Thurirl said:
My thoughts were more like a car crusher but with very powerful magnets instead of a giant pneumatic press.
My first thought also after reading the thread -- crushing old automobiles as in a junkyard -- but the title specifies slag. Crushing cars using electromagnets in place of hydraulic rams seems doable with current technology but likely much more expensive to build and operate?

[Edit: I just noticed this is a Sci-Fi forum not actual technology. Joke is on me!]
 
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Klystron said:
My first thought also after reading the thread -- crushing old automobiles as in a junkyard -- but the title specifies slag. Crushing cars using electromagnets in place of hydraulic rams seems doable with current technology but likely much more expensive to build and operate?

[Edit: I just noticed this is a Sci-Fi forum not actual technology. Joke is on me!]
Pretty much ya, and by slag I was meaning that would it be possible to make slag or cause metal to melt using pressure/force from magnetism. I know it's possible through pressure and friction which causes it to heat up and thus melt but ya.
 
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For metals, I'm not sure force from the B-field is really what causes heating. The heating is more from resistive losses due to the eddy currents generated in the conductive metal. Although I suppose this all depends on how you define force, something makes the electrons move, after all.
 
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