Single-sided linear induction motor controlling the surface shape of molten tin [glass formation]

Presents theoretical analyses and experimental results on molten-tin control using a 1.5-m-wide single-sided linear induction motor (SLIM) to improve the float process of forming sheet glass. First, a mathematical model of molten tin controlled by a SLIM is derived. It is shown that theoretical predictions agree with experimental results within 5% error. Second, the vibration of the molten tin surface is vibratory under the condition that the initial height of the molten tin is greater than 0.6 dimensionless height (the ratio of height to the specific wavelength of SLIM). Two locations of SLIM are compared from the standpoint of application to the actual float process. It is theoretically demonstrated that the lower location to molten tin is superior to the upper location