Mathematical Modeling of Heat Transfer for Steel Continuous Casting Process

Heat transfer mechanisms and the solidification process are simulated for a continuous casting machine and the geometric shape of the liquid pool is predicted considering different conditions. A heat transfer and solidification model is described for the continuous casting of steel slabs. The model has been established on the basis of the technical conditions of the slab caster in the continuous casting unit of Mobarakeh Steel Company. This model involves a two-dimensional (2-D) transient energy equation. The governing equation was solved using the finite-volume procedure. The boundary conditions of the mold, water spray cooling, and air cooling regions have been defined. The mathematical model is able to predict the shell thickness, temperature distribution in the mold and shell, and the interfacial gap between shell and mold. The modeling results were verified by the measured slab surface temperatures and a reasonable agreement was achieved.