Three-dimensional FEM study of fluid flow in mould for beam blank continuous casting: influence of straight through conduit type SEN

In order to increase the beam blank cleanliness, the aim of this work is to analyse the flow field in the mould of beam blank continuous casting, to find the factors influencing the strand cleanliness and then to optimise the process parameters. A three-dimensional steady finite element model was developed to simulate and analyse the turbulent flow field in the mould. The volume of fluid model was used to track the free surface evolution at the meniscus. The influences of processing parameters, such as casting speed and nozzle parameters, on the molten steel flow in the strand (such as vortex location, liquid steel impact depth, velocity and fluctuation of the liquid steel at free surface) were analysed and the optimum processing parameters determined based on mass calculation. The results of this research project have been applied in actual production, and it has been shown that they are very useful and efficient for improving the steel cleanliness and controlling the surface cracks on the beam blank web.