Numerical Analysis of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in the Parallel Type Mold of a Thin Slab Caster

Abstract

The surface and internal defects in the continuously cast slab are closely related to the fluid flow conditions of the liquid steel in the continuous casting mold. Therefore, the control of the steel flow for example, by proper design of submerged entry nozzle and by optimum operating conditions, has become an important area for quality and productivity improvement. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model for fluid flow and heat transfer analysis was employed and flow pattern and related phenomena in the parallel type thin slab mold were simulated together with a comparison with our previous study on the funnel type mold. The dependence of the flow on the shape of the SEN was illustrated for both straight and bifurcated nozzles. The bifurcated nozzle creates streamlines of two counter-rotating loops at each half of the mold similar to that of the funnel type mold with a bifurcated nozzle and produces a stabilized meniscus with a low surface velocity. The design of the nozzle port affects the velocity profile at the meniscus, heat transfer and accordingly the solidification process. An inclined bifurcated nozzle with a jet angle of 60° shows more stable velocity profile in the meniscus and more uniform distribution of solidified shell than the other port.