Modelling the Nucleation, Growth and Agglomeration of Alumina Inclusions in Molten Steel by Combining Kampmann–Wagner Numerical Model with Particle Size Grouping Method

Abstract

AbstractRecent inclusion models are mainly focused on the compositional evolution of inclusion, steel and slag. Due to the importance of inclusion size distribution to steel properties, the evolution of inclusion size distributions should also be accounted for. As the first step to establish a model to predict the evolution of inclusion size distribution, the nucleation, growth and removal of alumina inclusions in molten steel were modeled by combining Kampmann and Wagner numerical model for nucleation, growth and coarsening with particle size grouping method. The model could simulate the time evolution of the size distribution of alumina inclusions after aluminum de-oxidation. The model was validated by using the experimental size distribution data of alumina inclusions available in the literature. The model calculation results were also compared with previous simulation results. The influences of interfacial tension between steel and inclusion and diffusion coefficient on the calculated inclusion size distribution were investigated. As interfacial tension between steel and alumina increases, the maximum number density decreases and the peak value of radius increases. As diffusion coefficient increases, the maximum number density decreases and the peak-value radius increases. The calculated size distribution curves showed a change from log normal to fractal, which is due to the change of dominating mechanisms for crystal growth and agglomeration.