Mold transient heat transfer behavior based on measurement and inverse analysis of slab continuous casting

In this present paper, a two-dimensional (2D) transient finite-difference model was developed. By solving appropriate inverse problem from the measured temperatures by thermocouples buried at various locations in the mold wall, the unknown heat flux between the strand and mold was identified. The temperature calculated in present model agreed well with actual plant data, and the results gave obvious non-uniform characteristics of heat flux and shell thickness, which could better reflect the real casting conditions of strand. The influence of casting speed on average heat flux and shell thickness at the mold outlet was calculated as follows: increase of casting speed caused increase of average heat flux and decrease of solidified shell thickness at the mold outlet. Furthermore, the relationship between average longitudinal heat flux and shell thickness of mold outlet was discussed, and it resulted in that the heat transfer from the strand to the mold remarkably determined the thickness and non-uniformity of the solidified shell.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The heat flux closer to the meniscus shows a greater non-uniform characteristic. ► Temperature of the mold hot face is highest at about 70 mm below the meniscus. ► Displays of shell thickness are different on the outside and inside radius faces. ► Average heat flux and shell thickness of the mold outlet have similar variations. ► Inverse problem model can better reflect the real casting conditions of strand.