2021 Nashville AISTech

Modeling of the Dynamic-Bulging-Induced Surface Level Fluctuations in Continuous Casting (Room 208 A)

30 Jun 21
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Tracks: Continuous Casting: Mold Behavior

Speaker(s): Brian Thomas, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of; Daniel Stephens, Plant Metallurgist, Nucor Steel-Decatur; Bryan Petrus, Nucor Steel-Decatur LLC; Zhengtao Xu, University of Illinois; Zhelin Chen, University of Illinois; Lu Chen, University of Illinois; Joseph Bentsman, University of Illinois; Madison Milligan, Nucor Steel-Decatur LLC

Mold level fluctuations cause flow instability, surface cracks and even breakouts. Dynamic unsteady bulging caused by periodic squeezing of the strand far below the mold is an important cause of mold level fluctuations. This phenomenon is simulated by computational modeling. A stopper position flow model is used to calculate steel flow rate through the submerged-entry nozzle. Together with a thermal-mechanical model of steady bulging, a geometric model calculates the dynamic bulging shape evolution. These models are combined and applied to investigate mold level fluctuations in a thin-slab caster under real casting conditions. Results are compared with plant measurements.