Modeling of Single-Roll Strip Casting of Al-1%Mn Alloy: Correlation of Strip Thickness, Solidification Zone Length and Puddle Shape

"Single-roll strip casting process is studied using computational fluid dynamics which takes into account fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification. The computational model is based on the conservation Jaws of momentum, energy and continuity. Correlation of strip thickness, solidification zone length, and puddle shape on single-roll strip casting of Al-1 %Mn is explored. Feeding pressure and roll speed are investigated. The results show that the··strip thickness slightly increases with pressure, similarly the length of solidification zone. The variations of strip thickness and solidification zone length with roll speed show a sharp decline for strip thickness and slight decline for the length of solidification zone with increasing roll speed. The constraint and free-jet flow have different feature in term of flow field. Severe turbulence is observed on the free-jet flow.IntroductionThe near-net shape casting of strip metals is a demand nowadays. The demand is particularly stimulated by the challenge to become more competitive through enhanced performance. The improvement in the existing processes and new innovative technologies are introduced by the metal industry to gain better product quality, more efficiency in energy consumption, low throughput, yield and operating costs [1-3].There are many advantages that can be obtained by the direct casting of strip. The most prominence is the elimination of hot rolling. Beside that the high rate of heat extraction associated with strip casting offers the possibility of a finer, Jess segregated cast structure. The microstructure will result in the improvement of mechanical properties compared to conventional material, or alternatively the opportunity of using grades of metal outside the normal range for continuous casting.The concept of single-roll strip casting has been difficult to commercialize, because of the complex interactions between fluid flow, solidification, shrinkage, and stress, which lead to serious quality problems. Besides that, the quality and the thickness of the strip are affected by the thermal properties of the strip, roll cooling conditions, roll geometry, and other process parameters. To understand how these parameters affect the strip formation, some researchers have modeled the process [4]."