Flow pattern velocity and turbulence energy measurements and predictions in a water model of an argon-stirred ladle

Experiments were carried out using a simplified water model of an argon-stirred ladle system. The flow patterns were determined by a flow visualization technique and the velocity and turbulence energy fields were quantitatively measured using hot-film anemometry. The latter quantities were predicted by solving the turbulent Navier-Stokes equations using Spalding’sk-W model for the turbulence viscosity. There is semiquantitative agreement between predictions and measurements. Mixing lengths also were computed. This agreement between measurements and predictions provides further evidence that modeling is a promising approach for the study of recirculating turbulent flows in steel processing operations. J. SZEKELY, formerly of the State University of New York at Buffalo.