Assessing the Evolution of Non-Metallic Inclusions in High-Speed Steels by Using the EERZ (Effective Equilibrium Reaction Zone) Modelling Approach

Modeling plays a crucial role in understanding the evolution of non-metallic inclusions in metallurgical processes, particularly in high-speed steels. This research aimed to provide comprehensive insights into phase developments and the consequent steel cleanness through a combination of modeling approaches. The effective equilibrium reaction zone (EERZ) model was utilized alongside analytical and numerical methods to offer depictions of the inclusion behavior during steel production. The data gathered from laboratory experiments was compared with the outputs of the model to validate its accuracy. Results indicated a significant correlation between the predicted and actual measurements, demonstrated by low mean absolute deviations in steel and slag component contents (0.035 pct points for steel and 0.92 pct points for slag). Additionally, the study performed comparative analyses on inclusion compositions and mean equivalent circular diameters (ECDs), revealing a mean absolute deviation of 0.02 lm for ECDs and 155 inclusions per mm² for inclusion number densities. These findings underscore the importance of NMIs in steel production, impacting both process stability and product quality, thereby highlighting the necessity for continued research in this area.