This paper discusses the strip caster's side dam. Material evaluation and thermal stress analysis of side dam were carried out to get longer duration of side dam. At first, refractory of side dam was evaluated. Three kinds of refractory were dipped into molten stainless steel and were observed. Also ceramic component of side dam and crack distribution observed on refractory were checked after 10-ton castings.
Thermal analysis and thermal stress analysis of side dam were carried out to estimate the cause of this side dam cracking. Side dam was preheated from front side and back side before casting to reduce thermal stress caused by the touch of molten steel on the side dam surface and to prevent the growth of solidified shell on it. Temperature and thermal stress of side dam during preheating before casting were evaluated and adequate preheating way for preventing cracking was checked and the positions estimated at high stress were compared with the results after 10 ton casting side dam. It is possible to explain the cause of side dam cracking by the results of thermal stress analysis and to reduce these thermal stress cracking by adopting adequate preheating way of side dam.
