Transient thermo-fluid model of meniscus behavior and slag consumption in steel continuous casting

The behavior of the slag layer between the oscillating mold wall, the slag rim, the slag/liquid steel interface, and the solidifying steel shell, are of immense importance for the surface quality of continuous-cast steel. A computational model of the meniscus region has been developed, that includes transient heat transfer, multi-phase fluid flow, solidification of the slag, and movement of the mold during an oscillation cycle. First, the model is applied to a lab experiment done with a “mold simulator” to verify the transient temperature-field predictions. Next, the model is verified by matching with available literature and plant measurements of slag consumption. A reasonable agreement has been observed for both temperature and flow-field. The predictions show that transient temperature behavior depends on the location of the thermocouple during the oscillation relative to the meniscus. Finally, the model is applied to conduct a parametric study on the effect of casting speed, stroke, frequency, and modification ratio on slag consumption. Slag consumption per unit strand area increase with increase of stroke and modification ratio, and decreases with increase of casting speed while the relation with frequency is not straightforward. The match between model predictions and literature trends suggests that this methodology can be used for further investigations.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Jonayat, A.S.M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Thomas, Brian G.

• Continuous casting
• Computational model
• Mold powder
• Slag
• Flux
• Solidification
• Consumption
• Casting parameters
• Over flow
• Heat transfer
• Multi-phase flow
• Volume of fluid (VOF)
• interface

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 A. S. M. Jonayat

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49686

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/49686