Mathematical modelling of single and multi-strand tundish for inclusion analysis

In the present work a numerical study was carried out to investigate the inclusion behaviour in a four strand asymmetric billet caster tundish. A parameter called separation efficiency was used to compare inclusion behaviour quantitatively. An open source CFD code called OpenFOAM was used to model the inclusions through Lagrangian Particle Tracking approach. First, the Lagrangian particle class was defined in the existing simpleFoam solver of the OpenFOAM and the same customized solver was used to track particles in the already obtained velocity field. Inclusions were modelled as spheres and various forces acting were also considered. Present numerical results were validated using available experimental results and found to be in good agreement. Further, such inclusion behaviour was also extended for a real industrial case tundish. Inclusion flotation characteristics in thermally induced flow was analyzed in detail. This is, perhaps, for the first time such an exhaustive study on inclusion analysis being reported considering the forces acting on the inclusions particles and with OpenFOAM.