Experimental Measurements for Numerical Simulation of Macrosegregation in a 36-Ton Steel Ingot

In order to cognize the macrosegregation formation with solidification conditions, a 36-ton steel ingot has been experimentally investigated. Temperature variations of fourteen specified positions, for both the mold and ingot, were monitored to acquire the thermal conditions during solidification. Calibrated heat transfer coefficients between the ingot and mold were determined based on the temperature measurements and the empirical formula. Besides, concentration distributions of both carbon and sulfur in the ingot longitudinal section were mapped by 1800 drilled samples. Macrosegregation patterns were obtained, and notable negative segregations along the side walls of hot-top as well as typical segregation characteristics were presented in the maps. Segregation extent of sulfur was greater than that of carbon, and the segregated sulfur was relevant to the segregated carbon in a certain extent on statistical analysis with a standard correlation coefficient r = 0.68872. Finally, a two-phase multiscale multicomponent solidification model was preliminarily utilized to predict the species segregation. General good agreements are exhibited for the comparisons between the prediction and measurement of concentration profiles of carbon and sulfur in ingot.