Inclusions in continuously cast steel slabs - numerical model and validation

Abstract

A numerical model for liquid steel flow and inclusion transport and separation in continuous casting moulds is presented, which covers several features simultaneously. The free surface at the meniscus is computed; the submerged entry nozzle is discretized in detail to resolve the outlet geometry; gas injection through the SEN and its effect on liquid steel flow are considered; capture of inclusions within gas bubbles is covered in a simplified approach; the solidifying shell and the process of inclusion entrapment by the growing shell are simulated. Computed flow profiles are compared to experimental results on water and to measurements on liquid steel in a slab caster. Predicted inclusion profiles in solid slabs are compared to empirical findings from literature. Results of the model for various cases will be presented in a subsequent publication.