Evolution of Inclusion Distribution in Continuous Casting Slabs During Strip Feeding

Feeding strip significantly enhances continuous cast slab quality. To clarify its impact on inclusion distribution, a mathematical model coupling flow, solidification and inclusion motion have been developed. The upper recirculation, lower recirculation, and unformed recirculation flow occur during continuous casting. Under the resultant forces of drag, virtual mass, pressure gradient, Saffman, gravity, buoyancy, etc., the inclusion motion can be divided into two stages: Injection and Split flow. Feeding strip mainly affects inclusion motion by altering the drag, virtual mass, pressure gradient, and Saffman forces, which are closely related to the molten steel flow. After feeding strip, the lower recirculation on the strip feeding side is compressed, while it on the no-feeding side is expanded. The unformed recirculation flow on strip feeding side squeezes the flow below lower recirculation on no-feeding side. A higher strip feeding speed promotes downward inclusion motion, increasing the chance of being captured between the slab edge and strip. Unformed recirculation flow guides inclusions on the no-feeding side toward the slab edge, while expanded flow directs them toward the center. Consequently, inclusions on strip feeding side gradually gather between slab edge and quarter, while inclusions on no-feeding side first gather toward center and then toward edge of slab with increased strip feeding speed.