Modelling of water jet impact on molten metal

Abstract

Abstract Splashes of high-temperature melt spreading over a water pool bottom can be a reason for the formation of a zone where melt, water and steam are mixed, providing conditions for powerful steam explosions. The paper considers the formation of melt splashes arising from the impact of a water jet on the surface of the melt. Numerical simulations are performed in 3D formulation, using the VOF method and an improved phase change model. The evolution of melt surface following the water jet impact is demonstrated, including the formation of a cavern, a primary melt splash known as the crown, as well as a secondary splash following the collapse of the cavern, known as the cumulative jet. Parametric study for the melt splash height dependence on the water jet geometry and velocity is carried out. The results of numerical analysis are discussed from the point of view of the similarity with respect to the momentum and kinetic energy of water jet. The significance of the results for the steam explosion problem is discussed.