Mathematical modeling of fluid flow in continuous casting

Fluid flow is very important to quality in the continuous casting of steel. With the high cost of empirical investigation and the increasing power of computer hardware and software, mathematical modeling is becoming an important tool to understand fluid flow phenomena. This paper reviews recent developments in modeling phenomena related to fluid flow in the continuous casting mold region, and the resulting implications for improving the process. These phenomena include turbulent flow in the nozzle and mold, the transport of bubbles and inclusion particles, multi-phase flow phenomena, the effect of electromagnetic forces, heat transfer, interfacial phenomena and interactions between the steel surface and the slag layers, the transport of solute elements and segregation. The work summarized in this paper can help to provide direction for further modeling investigation of the continuous casting mold, and to improve understanding of this important process.