Analysis of the current distribution in an aluminum electrolysis cell with copper collector-bar cathode assembly

Understanding the magneto-hydrodynamic forces generated due to the external magnetic field and current density distribution within the cell (current in cell linings) is important in the optimization of cell dynamics. It is well documented that these factors play a crucial role in establishing the metal-pad stability of the cell. Conventional cells use the cathode-collector-bar assembly to carry the current through molten aluminium, the cathode and the steel collector-bar to nearest external bus. The electrical conductivity of the steel is so poor relative to the molten aluminium that the outer third of the collector bar carries the maximum load, which in turn increases the horizontal components of the current within the cell. Previous studies have modelled improvement in the cell instability through external magnetic compensation by redistributing current in the cathode busbar. Very little to date has been published on work to improve the current distribution within the cell. In this work, the current distribution in an aluminium electrolysis cell with copper collector-bar was predicted using finite element modelling. A 2D cross-section of a commercial cell was used under steady conditions of electrical fields in anode, electrolyte, molten aluminium and copper cathode-assembly. Different shapes and sizes of the cathode assembly are also considered to optimise the distribution of current throughout the cathode lining. The findings indicated that the copper-bar of similar size to steel could save voltage up to 150 mV. There is a reduction of more than 70% in peak current density value due to the copper inserts. The predicted trends of current distribution show a good agreement with previously published data.

Click if you like this, or OCCUPY as spectacle : a technological derive

This paper is the textual component of a dialogic, performative, multi-media lecture that rereads Guy Debord’s, The Society of the Spectacle (1967) with reference to the global Occupy movement, and the role social media, and the proliferation of digital images play in the facilitation and hindrance of this recent form of political activism. It explicitly addresses the connections between global capitalism, public space and digital technology by responding to selective quotations from Debord’s book in creative and anecdotal registers.

Marking time: leading and managing the development of assessment in higher education

This book highlights the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Assessment as Learning Project, a three year process of assessment change in faculty. The UNSW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Frederick Hilmer charged faculties with a learning and teaching agenda to investigate ways to make quality assessment practices more effective and efficient for both staff and students. The examples provided in this edited collection demonstrate exemplary case studies and theoretical perspectives on learning, teaching, and assessment. This book presents leading research in assessment as learning with a focus on changing practices as well as discipline specific practices.

From Vienna to Yogyakarta: the life of Herb Feith

Herb Feith came to Australia as a Jewish refugee from Europe as it was on the bring of war in 1939 and went on to become an internationally renowned and passionate scholar of Indonesia. He died tragically in Melbourne in 2001. This engaging biography tells his own extraordinary story and traces his interest in Indonesia, his determination to establish networks of serious study of Indonesia and Southeast Asia and his commitment to peace activism.

Knots of relation

Array

Interview with William Pomat

William Pomat is a Papua New Guinean who studied in Australia on two occasions; at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 1992-1993, and at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 2001-2004. On both occasions he studied on Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Scholarships. At UNSW, he completed his Masters in Immunology and at UWA he completed he PhD in the same field. The interview was conducted on 9 July 2014 by Dr. Jonathan Ritchie of Deakin University and Dr. Musawe Sinebare of the Pacific Adventist University. This set comprises: an interview recording, and a timed summary.

Interview with Simon Bambang Widjawarko

Simon Bambang Widjawarko is an Indonesian who studied in Australia on two occasions; at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 1980-1983, and at the University of Newcastle in 1985-1989. He studied on scholarships provided by the respective universities in both of his periods of study in Australia, and he completed a Masters of Food Science while at UNSW and a PhD in the same field while at the University of Newcastle. The interview was conducted in English on 21 October 2014 by Dr. Jemma Purdey of Deakin University. This set comprises: an interview recording, a timed summary, and a photograph.

Interview with Luh Putu Lila Wulandari

Luh Putu Lila Wulandari is an Indonesian who studied at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2006-2009. She studied on an Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) and completed a Masters in Public Health, specialising in maternal and child health. She hopes to return to UNSW to complete a PhD. The interview was conducted in English on 8 August 2014 by Dr. Jemma Purdey of Deakin University. This set comprises: an interview recording, a timed summary, and a photograph.