Numerical Simulation of Flow‐Induced Wall Shear Stresses in Three Different Shapes of Multi‐Strand Steelmaking Tundishes

Tundish is an important vessel in the steelmaking circuitry where quality of steel can be optimized by carrying out various metallurgical operations. Nowadays, tundish is designed and operated to ensure maximum yield, superior cleanliness, and longer life. It is designed to operate at high temperatures and lined with different grades of expensive refractory materials. During casting process, lining material gradually erodes due to mechanical wear, chemical attack by slag, turbulent fluid flow, high temperature (creating softening), and thermal shock. In the present study, numerical investigations have been carried out to study the effect of three different tundish shapes (i.e., boat shape, T-shape, and V-shape) on flow-induced wall shear stresses. It has been observed that designs of tundish have significant role on fluid flow behavior and hence on development of shear stresses on the walls. It is seen that the front and bottom walls of T-shape tundish develops maximum wall shear stress. The back walls of T-shape tundish has least effect on flow-induced shear stress as compared to that of boat shape and V-shape tundish. Velocity vectors at different planes have been compared to justify the results. Average wall shear stress values were found to be maximum for V-shape tundish. Boat shape tundish exhibited minimum values of shear stress among the three different shape tundishes.

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