Modeling of Transient Two-Phase Flow in a Continuous Casting Mold Using Euler-Euler Large Eddy Simulation Scheme

Euler-Euler Large Eddy Simulation (EELES) scheme has been developed to simulate the two-phase flow of argon gas and molten steel in slab continuous casting mold. The Euler-Euler approach is used to describe the equations of motion of the two-phase flow. The drag force, lift force and virtual mass force are incorporated in this model. Both turbulence of argon gas and molten steel are simulated using large eddy simulation (LES). Simulation results agree acceptably well with the water model experimental measurements of instantaneous flow structures. The flow pattern in the lower recirculation zone is expected to be asymmetrical between the left and right sides of the mold. The flow pattern is changeover; the direction of flow deviation is different from time to time. The time intervals for changeover appeared to vary randomly. The long-term asymmetry in the lower roll is due to the turbulent nature instead of the variation of other operating parameters. The turbulent flow in the mold includes multiple vortices. Those vortexes make the flow field to be more complex. Two typical transient flow structures, consisting of clockwise or counterclockwise rotational direction vortices, are found in the upper roll.