An industry oriented computational tool for modelling microstructure in casting of steel

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was to develop an easy-to-use integrated computational tool for the Swedish steel industry to predict the development of microstructure and defects in casting of steel. A two-phase plan was successfully implemented in the current project, which corresponds to the modules in the MiCAST II program: Property and Process Simulation. The resulting MiCAST software was tested by industrial partners against their selected steel and casting process.

Expected results and effects

The developed software (MICAST II) enables to predict the temperature/solidification behaviors and the resulting microstructures and defects in coordination with advanced material database in casting of steel. This makes it possible to enhance casting process with suitable parameters regarding microstructure and property requirements. It also helps meet product quality specifications, enhance productivity, support innovation on grades of steel, and reduce time to market.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was completed in two project phases and was running well. Case studies were conducted at each phase and every phase ended with a software workshop. In the first phase, a property module was developed with use of Thermo-Calc/Dictra and state-of-the art models. In the second phase, process simulation module for continuous casting was enhanced and process simulation module for ingot casting was newly developed. The predicted results were verified by the experimental results.