Coupled CFD-FEM modeling of fluid-thermal-structural interaction in a single-strand tundish

A mathematical model has been developed to study the fluid-thermal-structural interaction in a single-strand tundish based on a coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element method (FEM) approach. The flow pattern and temperature distribution of the molten steel were predicted by the CFD calculation. Heat transfer and thermal stress profiles in the solid layers were investigated by the FEM analysis. Case studies were carried out comparatively to investigate the effect of tundish preheating and thermal insulation. The results show that tundish preheating can maintain the desired temperature of the molten steel at the exit. The heating efficiency drops significantly after 3 h of preheating. Reducing the thermal conductivity of the insulation material will reduce the temperature of the tundish shell and increase the thermal stress on the working lining. The modeling results can be used to improve the reliability and lifetime of the tundish and reduce production costs.