The incompressible lattice Bhatnager-Gross-Krook (BGK) model of computational fluid dynamics, from which the unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations can be exactly derived with the limit of small Mach number, was established in continuous casting mold. An asymmetric flow pattern in the two-dimensional central plane of continuous slab casting mold was simulated, and the flow pattern is not stationary but changes over frequently if the Reynolds number is larger than 3000 or so. The results are found to be in excellent agreement with previous experimental results.
A two-dimensional finite element model was used to analyze the thermal and mechanical behavior during solidification of the strand in a continuous bloom casting mold. The coupled heat transfer and defor-mation were analyzed to simulate the formation of the air gap between the mold and the strand. The model was used to investigate the influence of mold taper on the temperature and stress distributions in the strand. The results show that the air gap mainly forms around the strand corner, causing a hotter and thinner solidi-fying shell in this region. The mold taper partially compensates for the strand shell shrinkage and reduces the influence of the air gap on the heat transfer. The mold taper compresses the shell and changes the stress state around the strand corner region. As the strand moves down into the mold, the mold constraint causes compressive stress beneath the corner surface, which reduces the hot tear that forms on the strand.
