Prediction of δ-ferrite distribution in continuously cast type 304 stainless steel slabs by diffusion transformation analysis

Retained δ-ferrite in 304 stainless steel is known to prevent hot cracking during continuous casting. Excess content of retained δ-ferrite lowers the hot workability. So it is necessary to control the amount of retained δ-ferrite in stainless steel. A numerical model based on coupled analysis of macro heat transfer and micro diffusion transformation has been developed in order to predict retained δ-ferrite in continuously cast 304 stainless steel slab. The finite difference technique for moving boundary problem has been formulated utilizing 'murray-landis variable-grid method'. The reliability of numerical model is compared with the other results. The prediction of δ-ferrite content in CC type 304 stainless steel slabs shows good agreement between measured and predicted results. Effect of secondary cooling condition on the δ-ferrite has been also investigated