Three-dimensional compressible flow simulation of top-blown multiple jets in converter

Abstract

A three-dimensional mathematical model has been developed to simulate the compressible jets flow from the top-blown lance with multi-nozzles in converter to a free surrounding domain. The variations of fluid density and viscosity, high temperature, and Mach number were taken into consideration in this model which was validated against the physical modeling results. More specifically, computations were obtained to compare the widely used realizable k-ε turbulence model against the standard k-ω turbulence model, which shows that the latter one is superior to calculate diverse turbulent conditions within the multiple jets. Moreover, the coalescence pattern of the multiple jets has been illustrated by their Mach number distribution, and each individual jet proceeds in a curve course, bending to the lance center and tending to unite. The effects of the inclination angles on the jets coalescence were also investigated, which indicates that the lower the inclination angle is, the stronger the interfering extent between the multiple jets is. With the help of this model, the dynamic power of the multiple jets to support the cavity formation was demonstrated, and additionally, a mathematical model concerning the effective penetration radius and digressing path of the multiple jets was proposed by taking the inclination angle and the axial distance from the nozzle tips as arguments. © 2010 ISIJ.