Numerical Simulation of Turbulence Flow and Solidification in a Bloom Continuous Casting Mould with Electromagnetic Stirring

Abstract

Based on the Maxwell’s equations and a revised low-Reynolds number k-e turbulence model, a coupled three-dimensional numerical model has been developed to describe the electromagnetic field, fluid flow and solidification in a bloom continuous casting mould with electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS). The stirring electric current effects on the turbulent flow, temperature distribution and shell growth are investigated numerically. According to the simulation result, the electromagnetic force has a circumferential distribution on the strand transverse section, and a swirling flow field along the axial direction is observed in the mould region with the application of M-EMS, which changes the flow pattern of melt in the mould significantly and promotes the superheat dissipation of the molten steel. Moreover, overlarge current intensity will generate an inhomogeneous solidified shell at the exit of the mould due to the tangential velocity of the swirling flow and the installed position of the M-EMS.