Squeezing Segregation in Continuous Casting of Steel Slabs Caused by In-line Thickness Reduction

Abstract

A mathematical model is presented to predict macrosegregation in steel slabs caused by in-line thickness reduction during solidification. The differential equations for continuity of total mass and for mass of solute elements, for transport of heat and for transport of momentum, together with additional equations describing the local equilibrium between solid and liquid phases in the mushy zone and the deformation behavior of the dendrites have been solved. The result is that in-line thickness reduction can cause macrosegregation involving concentration minima and maxima. The computed flow field in the mushy zone and profiles of carbon and manganese originating in selected situations are given. Experimentally determined concentration profiles are used to confirm the findings of the model.