Slow Hot Rolling in Direct Linkage with Thin Slab and Strip Continuous Casting: Effect on the Evolution of Austenite Grain

This work was carried out in context with the development of strip casting with the single‐belt process. In this new process the hot rolling is performed in‐line with considerably lower velocity than in conventional hot rolling. It is of interest to study the effect of low rolling speed on the material properties. Based on a finite element model used to predict the thermomechanical behaviour of the strip in tandem mills, the microstructural evolution of austenite was computed. In order to take account of the non‐isothermal conditions in industrial hot rolling, the material equations for recrystallization and grain growth are modified. The parameter studies were carried out over a wide range of volumetric flow rate extending from that in thin slab casting to that in conventional finishing rolling. They demonstrate that the “slow hot rolling” can produce a fine grain of austenite. Austenite grain evolution was computed for conventional rolling with a seven stand mill and for in‐line hot rolling of strip produced by the single‐belt process. It is found that the final grain size of austenite is about the same for the two processes under the condition that strip thickness behind the last stand is the same.