Modelling heat flow and thermal stress in ingot casting

Using the finite-element method, we develop a model of heat flow and thermal stress in ingot casting. The model takes into account the intimate contact of ingot and mould in the initial stages and the pres ence of the air gap thereafter, and it handles the effect of the type of lubricant used. The model is general and can deal with different types of bound ary conditions and with variations in material properties. The model is a stress model capable of taking into account time-dependent effects such as creep and of predicting the development of thermal stress fields.

To validate the model, simulation results for a particular problem are compared with the correspond ing results obtained by other workers and with experimental data.