Recent Developments of a Numerical Model

This study presents recent advancements in an advanced numerical model designed for Continuous Casting of steel, discussed earlier at the 2010 CSSCR Conference in Sapporo, Japan. The main objective was to enhance the coupling of a multiphase model that addresses heat transfer and solidification with argon injection to effectively track bubble trajectories in the Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN) and across the slag bed. A methodology combining gas injection with a Discrete Phase Model and Volume Of Fluid (DPM+VOF) was introduced. Validation was achieved through experiments conducted with a Continuous Casting Simulator (CCS-1), utilizing a low melting point alloy to closely replicate caster flow conditions. The outcomes revealed that the predictions of metal-slag-argon flow correlated well with the physical model observations, accurately depicting phenomena like discharging jets and argon distribution, monitored through ultrasound, electromagnetic probes, and video sequences. The developed model facilitates the prediction of stable and unstable flow dynamics within the mold based on varying argon flow rates and bubble sizes. Preliminary findings highlight the significance of this model in industrial applications, improving understanding of critical phenomena for process stability and cast product quality.