A 3D model coupled inverse algorithm for the non-uniform thermal behavior of a continuous casting mold

Abstract

A 3D finite element model of a copper plate in a continuous casting mold, including arc-shaped water slots and a nickel layer with increasing thickness, was built to reflect the flexible and non-uniform thermal behavior of the mold during wide-thick slab continuous casting. The inverse algorithm was applied to calculate the heat flux from temperatures measured by thermocouples, which were buried in various locations inside the mold. The model can reflect the real thermal behavior of the mold wall and further evaluate the effects of the nickel layer and water slots on heat transfer of mold. Along the casting direction, the temperature peaks appear approximately 100 mm below the meniscus. The temperature gradient in the nickel layer in the thickness direction is larger than that in the copper plate. The average temperature at the root of deepwater slots is higher than that of shallow ones by 10 °C. The model can further improve casting parameters and operations.