Agglomeration simulation of chain-like inclusions in molten steel based on fractal cluster-cluster agglomeration model

Abstract

Based on the fractal cluster-cluster agglomeration (CCA) model, two-dimensional simulations of cluster aggregation process have been carried out by varying initial particle number, particle size and sticking probability between clusters. Particle size and amount of seed particles have small effects on the shape of clusters. Actual alumina clusters observed in tundish show the chain-like appearance and are very similar to the simulated agglomerated clusters with high sticking probability. The agglomeration process of alumina chain-like clusters around immersion nozzle in the tundish and RH process are plausibly controlled by the random collision process with high sticking probability values.