Water Modeling of Stirring and Braking Processes in a Slab Caster Mold

摘要

A water model is designed to simulate the electromagnetic stirring and braking processes in the mold of a slab caster. Stirring is simulated by placing two pairs of tuyeres in the upper part of the water model. The flow pattern is observed with the aid of flow visualization techniques. It was found that, besides the horizontal rotational flow around the meniscus, the two recirculation loops in the lower part of the mold are stronger as a consequence of stirring in the meniscus area. The optimum location of the stirrer is between the meniscus and SEN outlets. Lower gas flow rate and higher casting speed lead to better stirring around the meniscus. Braking was simulated by a beads bed in the lower part of the water model. It was found that the relative position between the SEN outlets and the braking area plays an important role in braking the SEN jet flow. Combined stirring and braking is also simulated in the water model. The appropriate use of combined stirring and braking will lead to an improved flow behavior in the model, i.e. stirring in the meniscus area, braking in the lower part of the mold, and reduced turbulence in the mold.