Start-up Stage of Direct Chill Casting Process

摘要

During the start-up stage of the direct chill (DC) casting process, the entry of the molten metal into the mold cavity takes place under dynamic and transient conditions. The resulting fluid flow and solidification can affect the microstructure of the ingot. In addition, the thermal stresses during solidification can lead to cracking in the ingot. Moreover, the air gap formation between the ingot and the mold can change the heat transfer mechanism at the ingot-mold interface. Therefore, these phenomena can have a major impact on the formation of cracks and inferior microstructure in the ingots. The objective of this research is to analyze the start-up stage of the DC casting process by studying the effects of the transport phenomena and deformation on the formation of defects during this stage.