Numerical analysis of immersion nozzle outlet flow pattern through using swirling flow in continuous casting

A new method obtaining a low and uniform velocity distribution at the immersion nozzle outlet was developed imposing a swirling flow pattern at the entrance region of a divergent nozzle in the preceding paper. Results of the water model are in good accordance with those calculated using a turbulent k-Ε model. In addition, the mechanism for obtaining the uniform flow pattern at the nozzle outlet was correlated with the flow pattern of the nozzle and the swirl strength. Those results show that by changing the strength of the swirl motion in the pouring tube of an immersion nozzle, it is easy to control the flow pattern and the direction of the flow at the nozzle exit. A same numerical investigation was also done for a molten steel system in which swirl is generated by a rotating magnetic field imposed on the pouring tube. Such an effect of the swirling can provide a uniform and low velocity flow of molten steel at the nozzle outlet, which is very desirable for continuous casting purpose.