Computer Simulation of Steel Ingot Cooling in Continuous Steel Casting Unit

Abstract

The paper studies the dynamics of the temperature change of steel ingot during cooling in a continuous casting unit. A mathematical model of ingot cooling is given, including the equation of heat conduction and boundary conditions. The two-dimensional section of the ingot is considered. The developed software simulating the casting process by constructing a thermal field at different times is presented. This program makes it possible to obtain data on the temperature of the slab cut at the output of the continuous casting unit based on the input information about the steel, initial temperatures and break intervals. All information obtained is presented numerically and graphically. The finite element method is used to solve the equations of the mathematical model. Factors affecting the occurrence of slab defects are also analyzed. As such a factor is used the values of the surface temperatures of the ingot in a curved region in the area of the bend and straightening. If the temperature is located in the zone of embrittlement temperatures for a given steel grade, the probability of occurrence of a defect is significant. The adequacy study was carried out by comparing the measured values of temperatures at several points in the casting process with the values obtained by the simulation. The influence of different methods of heat transfer coefficient on the accuracy of the solution is investigated.