Inclusion removal by bubble flotation in a continuous casting mold

Lifeng Zhang, Jun Aoki, Brian G. Thomas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Fundamentally based computational models are developed and applied to quantify the removal of inclusions by bubbles during the continuous casting of steel. First, the attachment probability of inclusions on a bubble surface is investigated based on fundamental fluid flow simulations, incorporating the turbulent inclusion trajectory and sliding time of each individual inclusion along the bubble surface as a function of particle and bubble size. Then, the turbulent fluid flow in a typical continuous casting mold, trajectories of bubbles, and their path length in the mold are calculated. The change in inclusion distribution due to removal by bubble transport in the mold is calculated based on the computed attachment probability of inclusions on each bubble and the computed path length of the bubbles. In addition to quantifying inclusion removal for many different cases, the results are important to evaluate the significance of different inclusion-removal mechanisms. The modeling approach presented here is a powerful tool for investigating multiscale phenomena in steelmaking and casting operations to learn how to optimize conditions to lower defects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)361-379
Number of pages19
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions B: Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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