FEM-calculation of thermal stresses in graphite dies used in horizontal continuous casting of copper and copper alloys

摘要

Horizontal continuos casting is a' highly economic near-net-shape casting process. Efficiency is directly related to the continuity of the process. Thus, disturbances should be avoided. The present investigation is concerned with the graphite die of the facility which is important for continuos casting. Graphite is used for dies due to its high temperature resistance and its lubricant capabilities. The graphite die is subjected to high mechanical and thermal loads, which is in contradiction to the relative low graphite strength. Graphite die breakdown results in an immediate casting stop.Finite element methods are used to predict temperature, heat flow, displacement and stress in the facility, that is, a coupled thermo-mechanical analysis is performed.Thermal displacements are of special interest, because they may result in gaps between die and cooler. These gaps severley reduce the heat transfer and cooling efficiency of the device.