Numerical simulation of solidification structures in continuous casting of a thin slab at high casting speed

Abstract

The solidification structure of a thin slab during the continuous casting process at high casting speed was simulated based on the cellular automaton-finite element (CAFE) model. The simulations were consistent with the solidification structures of actual steel samples, and the influence of the continuous casting process parameters and alloy elements were further studied in detail. The optimum process parameters obtained are as follows: the casting speed at 5.2–5.4 m min⁻¹, the superheat at 20–25 °C, and the specific water flow at 1.62–1.64 L kg⁻¹. Meanwhile, the Si content in the thin slab was appropriately increased to refine the grains and improve the production efficiency. This study provides important theoretical data for practical thin slab production, improvement of the continuous casting efficiency, thereby reducing accidents.