An integrated, finite element-based process model for the analysis of flow, heat transfer, and solidification in a continuous slab caster

An integrated, nite element-based process model is presented for the prediction of full three-dimensional ow, heat transfer, and solidi cation occurring in a continuous caster. Described in detail are the basic models for the analysis of turbulent ow and heat transfer in the liquid steel zone, in the zone of mixture of the liquid steel and solidi ed steel, and in the solidi ed zone. Then, the models are integrated to form a process model which can take into account the strong interdependence between the heat transfer behaviour and the ow behaviour. The capability of the process model to reveal the detailed aspects of turbulent ow, heat transfer, and solidi cation occurring in a continuous caster is demonstrated through a series of process simulations