Measurements, simulations, and analyses of instantaneous heat fluxes from solidifying steels to the surfaces of twin roll casters and of aluminum to plasma-coated metal substrates

Abstract

Using implanted thermocouples, and an inverse heat-transfer technique, heat fluxes and associated heat-transfer coefficients during the solidification of steel in a pilot scale 0.6-m-diameter twin roll caster, whose copper contact surfaces had been treated with a propriety coating, were measured. It was found that heat fluxes during initial contact of liquid steel with the rolls were low, rising to maximum values of about 5 to 6 MW per square meter halfway down the sump of liquid steel, but then diminishing toward zero as the strip approached the roll nip. These results corresponded to roll speeds of some 7 m/min, strip thicknesses of 7 mm, and a roll separating force of 20 kN. For higher speeds and thinner strip, a secondary peak in the heat flux was observed. Associated microstructures revealed acicular ferrite, large prior austenite grains, and secondary dendrite arm spacings in keeping with measurements.