Numerical simulation on inclusion transport in continuous casting mold

Turbulent flow, the transpor＇t of inclusions and bubbles, and inclusion removal by fluid flow, transport and by bubble flotation in the strand of the continuous slab caster are investigated using computational models, and validated through comparison with plant measurements of inclusions. Steady 3-D flow of steel in the liquid pool in the mold and upper strand is simulated with a finitedifference computational model using the standard k-εturbulence rondel. Trajectories of inclusions and bubhles tire calculated by integrating each local velocity, considering its drag and buoyancy forces, A ＂random walk＂ model is used to incorporate the effect of turbulent fluctuations on the particle motion. The attachment probability of inclusions on a bubble surface is investigated based on fundamental fluid flow simulations, incorporating the turbulent inclusion trajectory and sliding time of each individual inclusion along the bubble surface as a function of particle and bubble size. The chunge in inclusion distribution due to removal by bubble transport in the mold is calculated based on the computed attachment probability of inclusions on each bubble and the computed path length of the bubbles. The results indicate that 6%-10% inclusions are removed by fluid flow transport. 10% by bubble flotation, and 4% by entrapment to the submerged entry nozzle （SEN） walls. Smaller bubbles and larger inclusions have larger attachment probabilities. Smaller bubbles are more efficient for inclusion removal by bubble flotation, so Inng as they are not entrapped in the solidifying shell A larger gas flow rate favors inclusion removal by bubble flotation. The optimum bubble size should be 2-4mm.

Prediction of centerline cracks incurred in the bloom continuous casting of steel

An elastic-viscoplastic model is used on the finite element package Abaqus to simulate the thermal and mechanical behavior of bloom casting strand and predict the location and scale of centerline cracks. The formation of centerline cracks can be investigated by the application of this model, which is of benefit to the improvement of processing.

Mold flux entrainment mechanisms

This paper presents a comprehensive and critical review of mold flux entrainment mechanisms in continuous casting of steel.Entrainment introduces inclusions into the final product,and thus greatly hinders clean steel production.By understanding the mechanisms that cause entrainment,the operating conditions of casters can be tuned to reduce the number of defects.Nine different mechanisms have been proposed over the last three decades,including vortex formation around the submerged entry nozzle(SEN),argon bubble interactions with the slag layer,shear-layer instability at the slag-steel interface,excessive upward flow impingement upon the meniscus, top surface level fluctuations,meniscus freezing and hook formation,top surface "balding",top surface standing wave instability,and slag crawling down the SEN.The previous work done for each of these mechanisms is presented,including both quantitative and qualitative descriptions of their behavior.