Investigations of Flow Conditions and Solidification in Continuous Casting Moulds by Advanced Simulation Techniques

Concerning further improvement of product quality in continuous casting, advanced simulation techniques are successfully used to investigate and optimise the complex flow and temperature conditions and the physical phenomena related to them. The work presented here focuses on the mould and discusses the corresponding application of selected mathematical and physical simulation techniques. Transient numerical simulations considering multiphase flow conditions and solidification with mould oscillation provide detailed information on the so‐called solidified hook formation directly below the meniscus. Concerning mould powder performance, the numerical simulation approach is carried out considering the flux flow in the meniscus region in order to obtain information e.g. on the mould powder consumption. With physical model investigations performing simultaneous and time dependent measurements of flow field and mould level behaviour, an optimised SEN design for the thin slab casting could be developed, which allows significantly higher casting velocities and yield, respectively. Operational plant trials confirm these results.