Analysis of basic network structure of continuous casting mould powder in electromagnetic field

Abstract

In the continuous casting process, the mould powder plays the role of insulator and heat insulator in the crystallizer, prevents molten steel from oxidizing, absorbs non-metallic inclusions, and controls lubrication and heat transfer between the casting billet and the mould. It is an important functional material that promotes the quality of a billet and ensures that the continuous casting process proceeds smoothly. Here in we analyse the changes in the microstructure of the protective flux from the aspect of the infrastructure of the flux slag. Additionally, using the classical molecular dynamics simulation method, the structure of the CaO–SiO₂–Al₂O₃–MgO slag system was simulated in the presence of magnetic fields of various strengths. The magnetic field was found to have the following effects on the slag structure. The participation of the basic elements Si, Al, O, etc. in bond formation is independent of magnetic field strength. The magnetic field causes changes in the peaks, coordination numbers, and peak widths of the radial distribution functions of bonds such as Si–O, Al–O, and Mg–O. The greater the magnetic field strength, the more disordered the ionic clusters are, and the greater is the decrease in slag viscosity. Although the effect of the magnetic field influences the structure of the slag, there is not much change in the way the molecules and atoms are stacked in the slag.