Optimisation of continuous casting process using genetic algorithms: studies of spray and radiation cooling regions

A detailed optimisation study has been carried out of the continuous casting process, starting at the exit of the mould region and continuing up to the end of the radiation cooling zone. Biologically inspired genetic algorithms (GAS) have been used to determine the maximum casting speed and solidified shell thickness at the mould exit. Heat transfer models are proposed for both the spray and radiation cooling regions and the cooling water requirements are optimised using GAs. A number of spray bank configurations, studied earlier by experimental researchers in this field, are analysed separately. The extent of surface reheating below the sprays is predicted using a Newton-Raphson procedure. The results are compared with data existing in the literature and found to be in good agreement.