HEAT-TRANSFER IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE LIQUID JETS

This study focuses on the hydrodynamics and heat transfer of a very high temperature liquid jet moving through air. The purpose was to determine the velocity and temperature fields in a jet of molten materials flowing from a furnace into casting devices. Understanding hydrodynamic and heat transfer properties of the jet is essential in controlling the flow and the solidification of molten products. The nonlinear equations that govern this physical problem were solved numerically using a finite-difference method applied to a laminar and axisymmetric flow with no fluctuation of the interface between the liquid jet and the continuous phase. The exit velocity profile was analyzed in terms of its effect on liquid jet hydrodynamics and cooling properties; and the Peclet number and jet emissivity in terms of their influence on the thermal exchange. In addition to the theoretical approach, experimental values were provided to validate the numerical model. Jet diameter and surface temperature profile values were measured and compared. The numerically analyzed jet diameter contraction and surface temperature values were consistent with those obtained experimentally.