As one of the main factors decreasing current efficiency and product quality, the growth of nodules deserves attention in the copper electrorefining process. Three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method models combining tertiary current distribution and fluid flow were established in this study to investigate the details of the growth of columnar nodules, including the electrolyte flow around the nodule and its effects. Compared with an inert nodule, a significant impact of the electrochemical reaction of an active nodule has been observed on the fluid flow, which may be one of the reasons for the formation of small nodule clusters on the cathode. Furthermore, the local current density is not even on the nodule surface under the comprehensive influence of local electrolyte flow, local overvoltage, and the angle with the anode surface. Thus, the head of an active nodule grows faster than the root, and the upper parts grow faster than the lower parts, leading to asymmetric growth of the nodules.

中文翻译：

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阴极结核局部效应的数值模拟

作为降低电流效率和产品质量的主要因素之一，结核的生长在铜电解精炼过程中值得关注。本研究建立了结合三次电流分布和流体流动的三维（3D）有限元方法模型，以研究柱状结节生长的细节，包括结节周围的电解质流动及其影响。与惰性结核相比，活性结核的电化学反应对流体流动有显着影响，这可能是阴极上形成小结核簇的原因之一。此外，受局部电解液流动、局部过电压以及与阳极表面夹角的综合影响，结节表面局部电流密度不均匀。因此，活动根瘤的头部生长快于根部，上部生长快于下部，导致根瘤生长不对称。