S. Kianfar,, S. H. Seyedein, M. R.aboutalebi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12-2008)
Abstract
Abstract: The horizontal continuous casting process has received a significant attention for near net shape casting of
non ferrous metals and alloys. Numerical Simulation has been widely used for process design and optimization of
continuous casting process.
In the present study, a 3-dimensional heat flow model was developed to simulate the heat transfer and solidification in
a horizontal billet continuous casting system in which the air gap formation and its effect on heat extraction rate from
solidifying billet was also considered. In order to test the developed model, it was run to simulate the heat transfer
and solidification for an industrial billet caster. The predicted temperature distribution within the mold and billet was
compared with those measured on the industrial caster in which a good agreement was obtained.
Finally, parametric studies were carried out by validated model to evaluate the effects of different parameters on
solidification profile and temperature distribution within the model brass billet. The microstructure of cast billet was
analyzed to determine the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) under different cooling conditions. Based on
measured SDAS and predicted solidification rate a correlation between SDAS and cooling rate was proposed for
continuously cast brass billet.