Kinetic model of non-metallic inclusions' precipitation during steel solidification

A numerical simulation which describes precipitation of non-metallic inclus ions (liquid or solid oxides, nitrides) during steel solidification is prop osed. Its aim is to predict the compositions and size distributions of thes e precipitates. The model takes into account microsegregation and includes homogeneous nucleation in the interdendritic liquid, and a mixed-controlled growth stage combining transport of solute elements in the boundary layer around precipitates and interfacial kinetics. We have observed that the cal culated compositions of oxide inclusions differ from those of inclusions pr ecipitating at equilibrium and are close to industrial observations on semi -killed steels. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.