Research Initiation: Fluid Flow and Heat Flow Modeling of Continuous Casting Processes

该项目将开发和应用三维 结晶器内流体流动和热流的数学模型 连续铸造工艺领域。 模特们将在 从以前的工作开发二维有限- 单元模型，其中包含湍流方程，以及 用于喷嘴和模具腔体的单独网格。 模特们将 通过与实验测量值的比较进行验证 使用板坯连铸结晶器的水模型进行， 内陆钢铁和ARMCO公司，这两个项目是分开供资的。 通过应用这些模型来研究 个别工艺变量、缺陷形成机制 可以更好地理解和改进钢板 铸造工艺 重要的基本问题，以数字 湍流流动和伴随的热量的计算 本项目还将研究转让问题。 这些 包括网格细化、收敛方案、湍流 参数、边界条件和两相结合 流动和浮力。 这项工作将有助于扩大目前的 准确性、应用范围和最新技术水平 流体流动数学模型 一旦开发出来，模型 将扩展到其他铸造工艺，特别是 “近终形”薄板坯连铸工艺， 单辊和双辊脚轮。 该项目将有助于 这些新工艺的设计，并可能产生巨大的影响， 美国钢铁业未来的竞争力。

This project will develop and apply three dimensional mathematical models of fluid flow and heat flow in the mold region of continuous casting processes. The models will be extended from previous work developing two dimensional finite- element models, which incorporate the turbulence equations, and separate meshes for the nozzle and mold cavity. The models will be validated through comparisons with experimental measurements conducted using water models of continuous slab casting molds at Inland Steel and ARMCO, Inc., which are being funded separately. By applying these models to investigate the influence of individual process variables, the mechanisms of defect formation can be better understood and improvements made to the steel slab casting process. Fundamental issues important to the numerical calculation of turbulent fluid flow and the accompanying heat transfer will also be investigated in this project. These include mesh refinement, convergence schemes, turbulence parameters, boundary conditions, and incorporation of two-phase flow and buoyancy. This work will help extend the current accuracy, range of application and state-of-the-art of mathematical fluid flow modeling. Once developed, the models will be extended to other casting processes, particularly the "near-net-shape" steel casting processes of continuous thin-slab, single-, and twin-roll casters. This project will help in the design of these new processes, and could have a tremendous impact on the future competitiveness of the American steel industry.