Free thermal shrinkage behavior during the solidification process in slab casters

Based on the thermal expansion properties of cast steels and continuous casting process condition, the finite difference method for thermal transform and free thermal contraction of slabs was developed for prediction of the thermal field distribution and free thermal contraction behavior. The results show that the free thermal contraction along the strands has different behaviors in different solidification stages, and the different effects of steel carbon content on the free thermal contraction are also found. A theoretical foundation to the roll gap control technique and soft reduction process for different steel grades and casting cross sections can be provided.