The methods of calculating the solidifying strand shell thickness in a continuous casting machine

Purpose: The steel solidifying process during continuous casting starts in the mould, where between 15 and 30% of total heat is abstracted. The strand withdrawn from the mould should have a solidified shell to ensure a failure free operation of the continuous caster. For a steel continuous casting process, it is necessary to obtain the correct shell thickness of the strand forming in the mould. If the shell thickness is insufficient, it will break out and the liquid core will leak, causing pouring of one or more segments of the machine. The presented paper shows the results of calculations of the shell thickness of the strand withdrawn, made with various mathematical models and the ProCAST software. Design/methodology/approach: Three mathematical models with various degree of complexity with a complex numerical model were compared. Similar values of the strand shell thickness were have been received, and small differences result from the degree of complexity of the applied calculation models. Findings: Similar findings related to the shell thickness were obtained. However, the use of more complex models is more likely to give correct and more accurate results. Practical implications: For a failure-free steel continuous casting process, it is necessary to obtain the correct shell thickness of the strand forming in the continuous caster mould. Originality/value: The presented paper compares the values of strand shell thickness obtained on the basis of mathematical models with various degree of complexity with a complex numerical model of the continuous casting process. Similar findings were obtained.