The Effect of Tracer Density on Melt Flow Characterization in Continuous Casting Tundishes–A Modeling Study

Abstract

Mathematical and physical modeling have been extensively used to study the fluid flow phenomena taking place in continuous casting tundishes. Tracer dispersion studies are commonly carried out to characterize the overall fluid flow behavior within the tundish. It is shown in this paper that the buoyancy forces introduced by using a tracer whose density is different from that of the fluid in the tundish may have a significant effect on the fluid flow behavior within the tundish. A three-dimensional mathematical model for solving fluid flow equations incorporating the buoyancy force has been developed to study the fluid flow behavior in continuous casting tundishes. Water modeling experiments have also been carried out to verify the mathematical model.