Effect of oscillation-mark formation on the surface quality of continuously cast steel slabs

Abstract

In a study of early solidification during the continuous casting of steel slabs, the effect of the formation of oscillation marks on the surface quality of the slabs has been examined by metallographic in-vestigation of slab samples and by performing a set of mathematical analyses. Positive segregation of solute elements, especially phosphorus and manganese, has been observed at the bottom of the oscillation marks and has been classified into two categories. One type is observed at the end of the overflow region on subsurface hooks which originate from partial solidification of the meniscus. A heat-flow model which takes into account the shape of the oscillation marks has revealed that this type of positive segregation is caused by local delay of solidification at the bottom of the oscillation marks. The other type of positive segregation has been found in a layer on the bottom of the oscillation marks without subsurface hooks. This form of segregation cannot be explained by the heat-flow model, but is likely due to a penetration mechanism in which the negative pressure in the flux channel generated during the upward motion of the mold draws out interdendritic liquid from the semi-solidified shell. Transverse cracks are found along the bottom of oscillation marks. The surface of the transverse cracks exhibits an interdendritic appearance in the vicinity of the slab surface, which implies that the cracks are initiated as hot tears in the mold region. A heat-flow analysis predicts that deep oscillation marks cause nonuniformity of the shell in the mold, which also was observed in the metallographic in-vestigation. According to the heat-flow analysis, not only the depth but also the pitch of the oscillation marks affects the shell profile. Therefore increasing the frequency of mold oscillation effectively reduces transverse cracks, by decreasing both the depth and the pitch of oscillation marks.