Numerical simulation on solidification process of horizontally continuously cast round iron bars

An universal method of numerical simulation on solidification process of horizontally continuously cast round iron bars is developed, in which transient heat transfer equations are used and longitudinal heat conduction is taken into account. The interfacial heat-transfer coefficient between iron bar and graphite sleeve, which is determined by using a free thermal contraction method, is used as a boundary condition, and the whole system including iron bar, graphite sleeve and water cooled jacket is considered in heat transfer calculation. In the calculation, a stationary coordinate system and a moving one are used for graphite sleeve and iron bar respectively, in order to make the heat transfer equation applied in iron bar be simplified and the coupled calculation of temperature fields in both iron bar and graphite sleeve convenient. The developed method can be used to simulate solidification process of the iron bars with different diameters under different technological conditions.