EAF Models Presented at SteelSim 2023

On September 12th, Dr. Chenn Zhou, Director of CIVS, presented at SteelSim 2023 at The University of Warwick, UK. Her presentation entitled “CFD Modeling of Electric Arc Furnace for Process Optimization” highlights computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a valuable tool for research and development, providing fundamental process understanding and practical guidance for the design, troubleshooting, and optimization of electric arc furnaces (EAFs). Her presentation received excellent feedback.

Since 2016, the CIVS researchers have closely worked with the SMSVC members to develop and implement state-of-the-art, comprehensive EAF CFD models to simulate the complex phenomena in the multi-stages of the entire EAF steelmaking process using step-by-step and integrated methodologies. The models have already been used to resolve some EAF operation issues.

The EAF is becoming a critical steelmaking facility for reducing carbon footprint. In the U.S., the EAF’s share of steel production is currently more than 70%. The increasing use of EAF technology in the U.S. has reduced CO2 emissions. An EAF, which melts the scrap using heat from electric arcs and burners, is energy-intensive and involves complex chemical-physical processes. Multi-physics simulation and optimization of the EAF process are of great interest to the steel industry for improving efficiency, quality, and productivity.

SteelSIM 2023 is the 10th International Conference on Modelling and Simulation of Metallurgical Processes in Steelmaking for this series of conferences. The conference aims to offer an excellent opportunity for the experts in numerical modeling and simulation from academic research areas and the ironmaking/steelmaking industry to share their knowledge and new scientific/technical achievements and discuss the common challenges and potential pathways for future developments. Dr. Chenn Zhou is the conference Chair for the SteelSIM 2018 in Toronto, Canada.