Abstract:The top of the conventional cathode carbon block is flat, and there is little resistance to the flow of the cathode molten aluminum. The purpose of this research is to increase the resistance of molten aluminum flow in the aluminum electrolytic cell, play a role in reducing the wave and reducing the flow speed of the molten aluminum, so as to reduce the horizontal current density, cathode voltage and aluminum liquid flow rate, and ensure the safety and stability of the production of the aluminum electrolytic cell. Through simulation by COMSOL software, it is found that as the number of protruding blocks on the surface of the cathode carbon block increases, both the cathode voltage drop and horizontal current density show a decreasing trend. The maximum 4 cathode voltage drop is 39.8 mV, and the maximum drop of horizontal current density is 2 087 A/m2. The 400 kA aluminum electrolyzer using special-shaped cathode carbon blocks in an aluminum plant is tested, and the test results are consistent with the simulation results.