Mathematical Modeling of the Twin Roll Casting Process for AZ31 Magnesium Alloy - Effect of Set-Back Distance

Abstract

A 2-D coupled thermal-fluid-stress model was developed and used to simulate the twin roll casting (TRC) of an AZ31 magnesium alloy using the commercial software package, ALSIM. The model was used to predict the fluid flow, temperature distribution and mechanical behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy in the roll bite. An important parameter in controlling the TRC process is the set-back distance; the distance between the nozzle entry to the kissing point of the rolls. There are two approaches to increase the set-back: 1) increasing the entry thickness and 2) decreasing the final strip thickness. In this study the effect of set-back distance and casting speed on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the strip during TRC has been studied. The thermo-mechanical behavior of the strip has a significant effect on the final quality as defect formation depends on such behavior.