Analysis of metal mould heat transfer coefficients during continuous casting of steel

Heat transfer coefficients in the mould were determined by the inverse method and they are related to both process conditions and carbon equivalents of steels. Experimental data were obtained from an industrial plant by temperatures measured in moulds of the continuous casting machine by thermocouples placed in the mould wall in known positions. The temperatures are compared to profiles of simulations by the numerical model of both solidification and heat transfer processes previously examined. As a result, the numerical model calculates the heat transfer coefficients in the metal/mould interface for heats cast with different process parameters. The results make possible the determination of expressions for the calculation of the interfacial metal/mould heat transfer coefficients that include the effects of steels grades, mould faces, casting speed, mould taper, mould section and pouring temperatures for a range of process parameters.