Model of multiphase flow, superheat transport, and particle capture in a steel continuous caster

Abstract A model of turbulent multiphase flow, heat transfer, and particle entrapment during continuous casting steel is presented. The includes the top 7m vertical curved strand, considers effects argon gas injection thermal buoyancy. RANS flow results are compared with LES. Lagrangian transport through Eulerian-Eulerian field from k -ɛ based on random walk features advanced capture criteria, improved previous work by including anisotropic velocity fluctuations near walls. Particle via 3 mechanisms included: solidified hooks at meniscus, between dendrites, engulfment surrounding large particles. fluid bubble/inclusion validated plant measurements, nail board dipping tests ultrasonic locations, good agreement seen. superheat has negligible effect in mold region but causes complex lower strand creating multiple recirculation zones due to With high (30 K) superheat, this leads less penetration, slightly fewer shallower Lower (10 may enable significant surface freezing, leading very internal defect clusters. also deeper meniscus hooks, more capture. Capture bands occur transition curved, where downward liquid balances terminal velocity.