Particle transport in recirculated liquid metal flows

Abstract

Purpose - Aims to present recent activities in numerical modeling of turbulent transport processes in induction crucible furnace. Design/methodology/approach - 3D large eddy simulation (LES) method was applied for fluid flow modeling in a cylindrical container and transport of 30,000 particles was investigated with Lagrangian approach. Findings - Particle accumulation near the side crucible boundary is determined mainly by the ρp/ρ ratio and according to the presented results. Particle settling velocity is of the same order as characteristic melt flow velocity. Particle concentration homogenization time depends on the internal flow regime. Separate particle tracks introduce very intensive mass exchange between the different parts of the melt in the whole volume of the crucible. Originality/value - Transient simulation of particle transport together with LES fluid flow simulation gives the opportunity of accurate prediction of admixture concentartion distribution in the melt. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.