A 3D meso-scale solidification model for steels

A 3D discrete-element model has been developed to simulate the solidification of binary Fe-C alloy during continuous casting. The model domain consists of both columnar and equiaxed grains along with the liquid channels within the representative volume element (RVE), while the grain shape is given by a modified Voronoi diagram. The evolution of each grain with dendritic morphology is predicted using an average volume model for a cooling rate of 0.75°C/s. Then, the liquid channel thickness predicted by two approaches is compared. The results are useful for predicting hot tearing during the continuous casting of Advanced High Strength Steels.