ANALYSIS OF THERMO-MECHANICAL RIGIDITY OF CONTINUOUSLY CAST STEEL SLABS

A new design of air-water mist nozzle "AWM" has been developed to improve the thermo-mechanical rigidity of continuously cast steel slabs. This is by maximization of solid shell resistance against thermo-metallurgical and mechanical stresses. The idea behind this design is optimizing the homogeneity degree of cooling pattern between a pair of rolls. The design description of air-water mist nozzle and the effect of nozzle characteristics on its function have been explained. The mathematical model of thermal, solidification, solid shell resistance and cooling conditions has been developed. Also, the model can be computed the new concept to examine the micro-quality defined as micro thermo-mechanical rigidity "Mic-TMR". The results indicate that the homogeneity degree of cooling conditions is proportional to the increase in Mic-TMR criterion and therefore improve the inner quality of slabs. Model predications of new design of air-water mist nozzle is compared and discussed with other water and traditional designs of AWM nozzles.