Real-time simulation of heat transfer in continuous casting

A real-time heat-transfer model for continuous slab casting is presented. The model calculates the strand temperatures and the solid shell thickness profile along the machine as a function of the actual casting variables, strand geometry, and steel grade. The special requirements con-cerning the real-time use of the model and, in general, the accuracy of the model are also studied and discussed. The model has been tested by carrying out industrial trials. Some examples of the differences between the calculated and measured surface temperatures are presented. A spe-cial procedure to determine the boundary conditions for the secondary cooling zones from tem-perature measurements is also described.