A 2-PHASE FLOW MODEL OF THE STIRRING OF AL-SIC COMPOSITE MELT

A two-phase flow, three-dimensional, steady-state model is developed to study the flow field and volume fraction distribution in a stirred tank used in the processing of silicon carbide-reinforced aluminum composites in the melt state. The aim is to optimize the stirring to obtain a good mixing of SiC particles. The model is based on the general-purpose code PHOENICS. In addition to the liquid-aluminum phase, the SiC particles are treated as a nonviscous second phase. Interphase momentum transfer occurs through a drag force. Sedimentation is simulated by assigning a high viscosity to the second phase and removing the gravity force when particle concentration reaches a critical value. The stirrers' blades impart a momentum on both phases, proportional to their respective volume fractions. A water model is simulated first, followed by the real Al-SiC melt. The study reveals the importance of particle size that affects the drag force applied on the particles and hence their motion and distribution. The model can be used to study the effect on mixing of tank geometry and the stirrers' operation.