Numerical simulation of the effects of buoyancy forces and flow control devices on fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena of liquid steel in a tundish

Fluid flow and heat transfer of liquid steel in a tundish of a continuous s lab easter was numerically simulated. The importance of natural flow convec tion was established through a dimensionless number given by the ratio Gr/R e-2. Buoyancy forces proved to be as important as inertial ones, especially in the extremes of the tundish far from the entering liquid jet. The usual flow control devices like weirs and dams were not as effective as turbulen ce inhibitors, a kind of impact pad with lips, interior squared angles, and a square cross section. The simulations indicated that this device helps t o decrease fluid turbulence in the zone of the entering liquid jet and has damping effects of step inputs of cold or hot steel, allowing for better co ntrol of the casting temperature.