A numerical simulation of the thickness of molten mold flux film in continuous casting

The lubricative quality of the liquid flux film formed between a solidified shell and a mold in continuous casting is investigated in this study. Specifically, the effects of the thickness of the liquid flux film and the difference in the thickness between the top and the bottom of the film on the pressure force involved in compensating the ferrous static pressure of cast steel are investigated using a numerical simulation of the fluid flow in the film. The experimentally observed relationship between the operational conditions and the mold flux consumption can be explained using calculated results. The analysis also shows that the shape of the flux film is not uniquely determined by the force balance between the static pressure of the cast steel and the internal pressure of the film.