Thermal Analysis of Solidifying Steel Shell in Continuous Casting Process

A finite element simulation of the steel shell formation in continuous casting has been developed. The current research is focused on the solidification of molten steel during the initial stages of the mould cooling. The model allows predicting the temperature field throughout the process: temperature gradient, solidification front, cooling rates. In stationary state, the prediction of shell thickness reasonably agrees with analytical models and experimental observations. The simulation tool is used to study the alteration of the mould thermal field in case of sticking defects encountered in industrial practice. A numerical analysis increases the understanding of the phenomena.