The Practice and Applications of Physical Modelling in Flow Dynamics Research in Continuous Casting

Abstract

The importance of physical modeling as one of the effective methods of scientific research is noted. The practical features of modeling the hydrodynamics of flows in continuous casting of steel are considered, concerning the scale, design and material of equipment models that are part of continuous casting machines. Attention is paid to the choice of modeling fluids, methods of visualization and control of their flow rates. Methods and results of modeling studies are presented, devoted to the development of technical means for shielding a steel jet from the surrounding atmosphere in order to provide protection against secondary oxidation of the metal supplied to the tundish; regulation of the direction of movement of the layers of the melt from the place of entry into the receiving part and to the outlet channels of the tundish to increase the duration of the steel casting in it and remove the non-metallic inclusions; decrease in the degree of dynamic impact of metal flows on the lining of the tundish bottom; reducing the duration of the destabilization of the velocity field of metal flows in the upper part of the mold, which occurs during the replacement of submersible nozzles. The obtained data of modeling studies served as the basis for creation of new types of equipment that allow the implementation of technological operations, the implementation of which will increase the technical and economic efficiency of modern high-speed continuous casting machines.