Mathematical modeling of fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification in two-roll melt drag thin strip casting of steel

Abstract

A two-dimensional finite element model has been developed to simulate fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification in two-roll melt drag thin strip casting of steel. The two equation k-ε model is used to incorporate the turbulence in fluid flow. The effect of solidification of liquid metal on the viscosity of melt is also considered. The release of latent heat of fusion at the solid-liquid interface was not considered explicitly, but the specific heat was increased appropriately to account for the released latent heat. The roller velocity, melt-roll heat transfer coefficient and melt superheat are identified as important process variables, and their effect on the thickness of cast strip is predicted.