Modeling of Steel–Slag–Air Three-Phase Flow in Continuous Casting Strand

Abstract

In the current study, a three-dimensional mold model was established by Fluent software to investigate the fluid flow of three phases (steel–slag–air) in the mold. A quarter of the mold was simulated through the k-e model, volume of fluid (VOF) model, solidification model and continuum surface force (CFS) method. The interfacial tension between liquid steel and liquid slag and the oscillation of the mold were added into the model to show the 3D steel–slag interface. The liquid steel exiting from the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) existed as the upper backflow and lower backflow, and flowed towards the wide face and the SEN. The largest speed on the steel–slag interface was located at approximately 0.25 m from the narrow face, which was approximately 0.15 m/s. Under the influence of the upper backflow and the movement of the shell, the slag on the steel–slag interface moved from the narrow face to the SEN, and infiltrated into the gap, which affected the lubrication in the gap.