Prediction of Nozzle Clogging through Fluid–Structure Interaction in the Continuous Steel Casting Process

Abstract

Analysis is performed for fluid–structure interaction (FSI) by nozzle clogging in the continuous steel casting process. The scope of the analysis is confined to a submerged entry nozzle (SEN) interacting with turbulent molten steel flow. The fluid and solid domains are discretized in a single framework of the finite volume method in the OpenFOAM‐Extend version. Flow displacement by the clog is tracked and modal analysis performed to predict the vibration frequencies due to clogging. Parametric study is performed with respect to casting speed and immersed depth in the mold without clogging and with respect to the clog mass and its distribution on inner wall, bottom wall, and exit in the SEN. Results show the dominant frequency primarily influenced by the total mass of clog and not much affected by the clogging locations with good agreement between measurement and simulation.