Numerical simulation of flow and solidification in continuous casting process with mold electromagnetic stirring

The magnetic, heat transfer and flow phenomenon occurring in the continuous casting process under the mold electromagnetic stirring was further analyzed by solving the 3-D electromagnetic field mathematical model and flow solidification model with finite element method and finite volume method, respectively. The results indicate that the solidified shell thickness located in the effective stirring region fluctuates because of the unsteady scouring under the mold electromagnetic stirring. The maximum rotational velocity is a key parameter to the solidification of the billet when controlling the stirring intensity. When the rotational velocity reaches 0.32 m/s, the mush zone enlarges significantly and the solidification rate is further accelerated. The number of vortexes in the lower recirculation zone is not only two and depends on the stirring parameters. Besides, the secondary flow is closely associated with the solidification. Compared with the results of the model ignoring the influence of solidification on the flow of molten steel, the flow pattern within the lower recirculation region changes dramatically, and thus a coupling analysis of the flow, heat transfer, and solidification is essential when simulating the electromagnetic continuous casting process.