Numerical simulation of temperature field in continuous casting of copper thin-slab

A mathematical model to represent the solidification heat transfer process of thin-slab continuous casting and a computer simulation program based on Fourier conduction differential equation were worked out, which can be applied to predict the distribution of temperature field during the process of continuous casting. This program was applied to calculate the temperature distribution of copper thin-slab continuous casting with different casting speeds and cooling conditions. In the meantime, the effects of casting speed and cooling condition on thermal profile were studied. Simulation experiments show that the surface temperature out of the mould can be increased significantly by improving the casting speed. So in order to prevent the thin-slab from leaking, choosing casting speed correctly is a sticking point. Additionally, cooling condition is one of the important technological parameters as well as casting speed. The results show that the thermal profile calculated by mathematical model almost agrees with those obtained by experimental measurement, and the error is within 10°C.