Numerical simulation and optimization of flow and temperature fields for wide slab cast mold

Fluid flow and temperature distribution in a wide slab continuous caster mold are simulated using the commercial software FLUENT. The research results show that the longitudinal cracks in the wide slab surface with an original submerged entry nozzle (SEN) mainly are caused by weak upper flow circulation in the mold, slow heat exchange near the meniscus, and non-uniform melting of the mold powder. Therefore, a modified SEN with smaller outlet thickness, a 15 downward port angle, and convex bottom is designed to overcome the disadvantages of the original nozzle. The characteristics of the molten steel flow are analyzed by numerical simulation. The results indicate that the parameters of the optimum SEN are more highly optimized than the original SEN. The trial results also show that the optimum SEN possesses a better application effect.