Numerical Simulation of Collision-Coalescence and Removal of Inclusions in a Tundish

Abstract

Knowledge on the behavior of inclusions in molten steel is crucial to study the fluid flow in the tundish. In this study, an inclusion mass/population conservation model and fluid mass/momentum/energy conservation model were coupled to investigate the spatial distribution of the inclusion volume concentration and inclusion size in the tundish. In this model, collision-coalescence among inclusions occurs due to turbulent collisions and Stokes collisions. The numerical results predict an inclusion size distribution that agrees with experimental data. The inclusion volume concentration decreases while the inclusion characteristic radius increases along the flow path of the molten steel. Furthermore, it is easy for inclusions to collide and aggregate with each other at the guide hole of the baffle, because there is strong turbulent flow there. Also, the inclusion characteristic radius in the distributing chamber is greater than that in the receiving chamber, while the inclusion volume concentration in the distributing chamber is less than that in the receiving chamber.