Finite element simulation of bulge deformation for slab continuous casting

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an investigation of the bulge deformation rules by using finite element analysis software, ABAQUS/Standard. A three-dimensional thermo-mechanical coupling model, considering the dynamic contact between the slab and rolls, has been established to study the temperature and bulge deformation distributions of the slab over the casting process. The simulated results of temperature profile were compared with the measured temperatures during the continuous casting process, the results of which showed a high agreement. Moreover, the bulge deformation rules of the slab were investigated systematically, especially at the thickness direction of the cross section which is the bulge deformation of the slab on the narrow side. A wave motion was found in the bulge deformation on the wide side of the slab cross section due to the joint effect of the ferrostatic pressure and the roller supporting force. The bulge deformation on the narrow side without the constraint from the roller support was cumulative, which was greater than the recovery count and compensated the bulge deformation on the wide side. In addition, the influences of various casting process parameters on bulge deformation were studied systematically in this paper. The results showed that bulge deformation on the narrow side and the wide side both increased with an increase in casting speeds and roll pitch. The method of fixed-gap and variable-diameter was suggested to be applied in the manufacture process in order to reduce the bulge deformation.