Solidification and particle entrapment d

Avoiding particle entrapment into the solidifying shell of a steel continuous caster is important to improve the quality of the continuous cast product. This study investigates the fluid flow dynamics in the steel melt and mushy zone, heat transfer, solidification of the steel shell, and the motion of inclusion particles during the casting process using computational models. The solidification of the strand shell is modeled with an enthalpy formulation assuming a columnar morphology in the mushy zone, while the motion of particles is tracked using a Lagrangian approach. The study focuses on the mould region of a steel continuous caster, including the submerged entry nozzle and a 1.2 m length of the strand. Results are validated with plant measurements and demonstrate the model's potential to predict fluid flow, shell growth, and the positions and amounts of entrapped particles in the solidifying strand. This work highlights the significance of understanding the mechanisms of inclusion entrapment and the impact of mushy zone morphology, contributing to enhanced steel quality in continuous casting processes.