Prediction of cracks in continuously cast steel beam blank through fully coupled analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer, and deformation behavior of a solidifying shell

Abstract

A mathematical model has been developed for the prediction of cracks in the continuously cast steel beam blank through the fully coupled analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer, and deformation behavior of a solidifying shell. Fluid flow and heat transfer in the strand mold were analyzed with a three-dimensional (3-D) finite-volume method (FVM). For the complex geometry of the beam blank, a body-fitted coordinate (BFC) system was employed. Thermo-elastic-plastic deformation behavior in the strand was analyzed using the finite-element method (FEM) based on the two-dimensional (2-D) slice model. The thermal fields of the strand calculated with the FVM were used in the analysis of the deformation behavior of the strand. Through the iterative analysis of the fluid flow, heat-transfer, and deformation behavior, the coupling parameter of the heat-transfer coefficient between the strand and the mold was obtained. In order to describe the thermophysical properties and thermomechanical behavior of steel in the mushy zone, the microsegregation of solute elements was assessed. Consequently, some characteristic temperatures of steel as well as variations of phase fractions with temperature were determined. The probability of cracking in the strand, originating from an interdendritic liquid film, was quantified as a crack susceptibility coefficient. Recirculating flows were developed in the web and flange-tip regions. The development of a solidifying shell in the flange-center region was retarded by the inlet flow from a submerged entry nozzle (SEN). An air gap was formed mainly near the flange-tip corner. Surface cracks in the web and fillet regions and internal cracks in the flange-tip region were predicted.