Simulation of temperature field and prediction of shell thickness in a continuous casting mould of round billets

Based on the measured data of mould temperature and heat flux, a three-dimensional transient heat-transfer model was developed to simulate the temperature field of a round billet in continuous casting, and the solid fraction and shell thickness of the billet were calculated. The results agree with the measured data, which indicates that the real process conditions can be well reflected by the model. The effects of casting speed and pouring temperature on the shell thickness were discussed, and the comparison of the model with experiential formulas in calculating the shell thickness was also carried out.