Numerical investigation of solidification behavior and inclusion transport with M-EMS in continuous casting mold

Abstract

The present study deals with the development of a multiphase numerical model of the continuous casting process of steel bloom. Two SEN configurations that differ in port angles are considered for the study of flow pattern, temperature distribution, solidification thickness, interface fluctuation and inclusion behavior during the process. The influence of mold electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) on the various output parameters is examined. The results show that the upper circulation loop formed in the 15° port angle case is responsible for higher inclusion removal, high interface level, and low solidification thickness in the meniscus region compared to that of the 30° case. The presence of M-EMS completely changes the flow pattern below SEN. Strong rotational flow coupled with oppositely directed swirl flow provides high tangential velocity near the solidification front and high axial velocity in the core region. It results in fluctuation in shell thickness along the casting direction and decreasing the superheated steam penetration. However, flow patterns remain unaffected above the SEN as upwards swirl flow is not able to reach this region. On applying the M-EMS, inclusion entrapment in solidifying shell increases for both 15° and 30° cases. In contrast, inclusion removal at the interface decreases for 15° case and increases for 30° case.