Abstract: A mathematical model has been developed to analyze the flow patterns and subsurface trajectories of spherical shaped particles (alloy additions) in gas stirring ladles. First,a numerical method to solve fluid flow problems in conjunction with a curvilinear coordinate system is proposed. The internal boundary in flow field, which must be designated in the cylindrical polar coordinate system, can be avoided by using bodyfitted coordinate system (BFC). Consequently, computed flow of molten steel and paths of alloying additions are able to cross smoothly the geometric centerline of cylindrical vessel. Second, motion of particles is calculated in the three-dimensional coordinate system, the modification of parameters, such as the drag coefficient and density in the gas plume region, is examined. When the density of sphere is closer and closer to that of fluid, the path of motion is longer and longer. If the plug is moved off-centered to the half of radius, the path of sphere is prolonged, and the sphere may go through the geometric centerline of vessel, reach the deeper region. The immersed depths increase with increasing entry velocities.

Key words: alloying addition, gas stirring ladle, motion