Multiphase Flow Behavior and Entrapment of Bubbles and Inclusions in Ultra Narrow and Thin Slab Continuous Casting Molds With Different Widths

A coupled method of numerical simulation and high‐ temperature quantitative velocimetry is employed to investigate the influence of mold width variation on the mold flow field, meniscus fluctuation behaviors, as well as the migration and distribution of bubbles and inclusions in ultra narrow and thin slab continuous casting molds. The surface velocities of molds with widths of 620, 720, and 840 mm are measured at different immersion depths using high‐temperature quantitative velocimetry, which are compared with the calculated results. Under the same conditions, the mold surface velocity increases with increasing mold width. The maximum meniscus fluctuation amplitudes of 11.9 and 5.9 mm appear in the regions adjacent to both sides of the submerged entry nozzle for the 620 mm‐width and 720 mm‐width molds, respectively; whereas for the 840 mm‐width mold, the location of peak fluctuation migrates to the mold edge area, with the corresponding amplitude of 6.2 mm. In terms of the argon bubble capture efficiency, the capture ratios for the 620, 720, and 840 mm‐width molds are 0.9%, 1.16%, and 2.28%, respectively. For the removal efficiency of inclusions, the corresponding values are determined as 6%, 13%, and 12% for the three mold width configurations.