Control of transverse cracking in special quality slabs

Abstract

Rolled plates from continuously cast slabs at Bhilai Steel Plant have been frequently rejected due to the formation of irregular shaped fine surface cracks. These cracks originate from fine transverse cracks located below oscillation marks/surface depressions of the cast slabs. The random occurrence of this defect from heat to heat was of major concern to Bhilai Steel Plant where slabs are cast of special grades such as boiler, microalloying, and high tensile quality. The mechanism of formation of this defect was identified through a detailed metallographic study of defect bearing slabs and plates and analysis of rejection patterns with respect to various important process parameters. The crack formation mechanism was verified through a process perturbation trial. A defect potential index was developed to explain the random occurrence of these cracks. The index incorporated parameters which influence crack formation in the Bhilai casters. A significant reduction in this type of cracking was observed, based on the recommendations made in this study