Mathematical simulation on coupled flow, heat, and solute transport in slab continuous casting process

A three-dimensional comprehensively coupled model has been developed to des cribe the transport phenomena, including fluid flow, heat transfer, solidif ication, and solute redistribution in the continuous casting process. The c ontinuous casting process is considered as a solidification process in a mu lticomponent solid-liquid phase system. The porous media theory is used to model the blockage of fluid flow by columnar dendrites in the mushy zone. T he relation between flow pattern and the shape of the solid shell is demons trated. Double diffusive convection caused by thermal and concentration gra dients is considered. The change in the liquidus temperature with liquid co ncentration is also considered. The formation mechanism of macrosegregation is investigated. Calculated solid shell thickness and temperature distribu tion in liquid core are compared with the measured quantities for validatin g the model.