An aluminium cube is being simultaneously levitated and melted by the magnetic field generated by a high frequency, alternating current, passed through the water-cooled copper wires. As it melts, the metal adopts a pear shape, and vigorous motion is driven within it. The white lining is added to aid visbility.

(Photograph taken at MADYLAM laboratories, Grenoble, France)

For more detail see "Magnetic levitation of liquid metals", Journal of Fluid Mechanics 117, pages 27-43, by A. J. Mestel

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