MATHEMATICAL-MODEL FOR THERMAL TRACKING AND ONLINE CONTROL IN CONTINUOUS-CASTING

A mathematical model has been developed to calculate the three dimensional and instationary temperature field in the strand during continuous casting. The numerical algorithm and the computer program were tested by application to the Neumann problem for which an analytical solution is available. It was found that this analytical solution is reproduced quite closely even if relatively coarse finite difference meshes are used. An algorithm based on the solution of the inverse heat conduction problem is applied to adjust the heat transfer coefficients for the computer model using the results of surface temperature measurements. Another algorithm was developed to calculate the material data from the steel composition. This algorithm is applicable to steel grades with low contents of alloying elements. The model fulfills the requirements concerning computing time consumption and accuracy for an on-line application. Results obtained with the model which is installed at several casters are presented.