Mathematical Simulation on the Transient Flow and Bubble Distribution within a Bifurcated Submerged Entry Nozzle

Herein, a coupled three‐dimensional large eddy simulation model and volume of fluid model is established to systematically investigate the effect of the argon injection through single‐channel and multi‐channel stopper rods, casting speed, and argon flow rate on the molten steel flow, spatial distribution of bubbles, and jet characteristics of a bifurcated submerged entry nozzle (SEN). The comparison with the water model shows that the current model can accurately predict the bubble distribution in the SEN. The multi‐channel argon blowing makes the argon distribution more uniform and generates bubbles with smaller diameters and larger quantities. The average diameter of bubbles is 16.72 mm in the single‐channel blowing, while the average diameter of bubbles is 12.03 mm in the multi‐channel blowing. The dispersion degree of argon bubbles increases with the increase of casting speed. The jet speed and backflow speed increase with the increase of the casting speed, while the jet vertical angle and the proportion of the backflow zone decrease gradually. With the increase of the argon flow rate, the fluctuation of the backflow speed at the outport will also increase. The injection of argon has a significant impact on the jet characteristics at the outport.