Thermomechanical model of a continuous casting process

A model for the analysis of thermal stresses arising at the early stage of a continuous casting process is proposed. The model is used to simulate the casting of round billets assuming axial symmetry. Thermal analysis takes i nto account phase-change in the material and heat transfer through the moul d. The heat balance equation is solved using an Eulerian formulation for th e billet domain, while the mould is analyzed using a Lagrangian one. Heat t ransfer from biller to mould is simulated assuming non-linear heat conducti on through the air gap formed between them. Air conductivity is taken as a function of temperature. Two mechanical models are built assuming elastopla stic and viscoplastic hardening materials. Both Lagrangian and Arbitrary La grangian Eulerian (ALE) techniques have been implemented and compared. In t he latter, advection of the history-dependent material parameters is taken into account using an appropriate finite volume integration scheme. Stresse s and strains obtained with both models are compared, showing a good agreem ent. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.