Effect of thermal conditions and alloying constituents (Ni, Cr) on macrosegregation in continuously cast high-carbon (0.8 Pct), low-alloy steel

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influences of heat transfer, thermal gradient, solidification rate, and the addition of up to 1 pct Ni and 1 pct Cr on the solidification and macrosegregation of high-carbon (0.8 pct), low-alloy steel. Sixteen 13.6-kg laboratory ingots were horizontally and unidirectionally cast in a static moll, fitted on one face with a water-cooled copper chill to simulate a continuous casting mold. Thermocouples, placed in the chill and the mold, were used to calculate heat flux, thermal gradient, and solidification rate. The ingots were examined with respect to macro- and microstructures, distribution of phases, dendrite arm spacing, and solute element distribution. The extent of macrosegregation of carbon and sulfur was determined by wet chemical analysis of drillings, and a TANDEM VAN DE GRAAFF accelerator was used for A1, Si, P, V, S, C, Mn, Ni, and Cu. The extent of macrosegregation of these elements was correlated with heat transfer and thermodynamic distribution coefficient data.