A precise and practicable heat transfer model simulating the solidification process of continuous casting slab

Continuous casting and direct rolling technology have emerged as dominant methods for producing steel products like billets, blooms, and slabs, particularly in integrated iron and steel plants aiming to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Despite its benefits, the adoption of this technology remains limited in many developing countries. This paper presents a precise heat transfer model that simulates the solidification process of continuous casting slabs, tailored to the operational conditions at the Wu-Han Iron and Steel Group Corporation. The study investigates the influences of various operating parameters on the solidification process to identify optimal conditions for producing non-defective slabs at higher temperatures. The model formulation includes assumptions regarding heat transfer, the density and temperature-dependent properties of steel, as well as considerations for fluid flow effects on thermal fields. By employing a two-dimensional unsteady state heat transfer equation, the paper discusses the modelling methodology and provides insights into achieving efficient heat transfer in the slab solidification process. Results highlight the critical operating parameters that could enhance the quality of the slabs produced, thereby contributing to advancements in continuous casting technology.