The effect of tundish wall inclination on the fluid flow and mixing: A modeling study

A mathematical model to represent turbulent fluid flow and mixing in continuous casting tundishes has been developed. The model involves solution of the three-dimensional turbulent Navier-Stokes equation, turbulence being modeled by the so-calledK-ε, two-equation model. Fluid flow parameters and residence time distribution has been predicted in a tundish of rectangular cross section. The model is later extended to predict fluid flow in typical industrial tundishes where walls are not vertical, but rather slightly inclined from the vertical. This results in an interresting variation in fluid flow, which may have important technological implications. The theoretical predictions are compared with measurements obtained in water models. The detailed understanding of the hydrodynamics of the tundish flow can be used to optimize their design for steel cleanliness. YOUDUO HE (on leave from Boutao Institute of Iron and Steel Technology, People's Republic of China) Research Associate