The influence of casting velocity on structure of Al continuous ingots

The aim of paper was determination of influence of the casting velocity in horizontal continuous casting process on solidification phenomenon and next primary structure of aluminum ingots. In the range of studies was conducted the experiment concerning continuous casting of Al ingots with diameter 30 mm at velocity from 30 to 80 mm/min. Moreover was developed adequate to the real the virtual model of cooled water continuous casting mould, which was used in simulation of solidification process of Al continuous ingot, made in ANSYS Fluent software. In result was determined the influence of casting velocity and temperature of cooling water on position of crystallization front inside the continuous casting mould. While the shape and size of grains in primary structure of Al continuous ingots were determined on the basis of metallographic macroscopic studies. On the basis of the results analysis was affirmed that increase of casting velocity strongly influences on position of crystallization front and causes increase of temperature of ingot leaving the continuous casting mould. In result the increase of casting velocity supposedly leads to decrease of temperature gradient on crystallization front what creates coarse grains in primary structure of aluminum continuous ingots and caused low usable properties i.e. suitability to plastic deformation.