Numerical Understanding of Electromagnetic Influence on Fluctuation Behavior at Slag/Steel Interface During LF Refining Process

The objective of this study was to create a novel 3D coupled numerical model that explores the impact of electromagnetism on the fluctuation of the slag/steel interface during the LF refining process. To evaluate the effects of alternating current power, an AC phasor was introduced to examine the Lorentz force and Joule heating phenomena. Turbulent motion was represented using the large eddy simulation technique, while the volume-of-fluid approach was utilized to illustrate the deformation of the air/slag/steel interface. The discrete phase model and the two-way coupled Euler–Lagrange technique were employed to track the motion of gas bubbles, accounting for bubble collision, coalescence, and breakup. By comparing the simulated results with experimental data, the model’s fundamental validity was confirmed. The findings emphasized the importance of concurrently considering both the electromagnetic field and the bubbly flow in the investigation of the LF refining process. It was observed that the Lorentz force played a crucial role in promoting the fluctuation of the slag/steel interface, potentially leading to the absorption of carbon by the molten steel.