Coupled Thermal-Mechanical Fixed-Grid Finite-Element Model With Application to Initial Solidification

A coupled transient finite-element model based on the fixed-grid implementation of this formulation is developed to simulate temperature, shape, and stress development in a solidifying steel shell during the initial stage of continuous casting. This verified model is applied to predict the distorted shape of a vertical section through the solidifying shell, during a sudden fluctuation in liquid level at the meniscus. The results show that thermal stress causes the exposed portion of the thin shell to bend towards the liquid, when there is a severe, sudden drop in liquid level. The subsequent rise in liquid level increases the bending. These results illustrate an important mechanism contributing to the formation of transverse surface depressions and short longitudinal surface cracks associated with severe liquid level fluctuations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Zhu, Hong

Contributors dc:contributor

• Thomas, Brian G.

• Engineering, Mechanical

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9737303

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/87764