A review of electromagnetic stirring on solidification characteristics of molten metal in continuous casting

Abstract

The solidification of molten metal represents a pivotal phase in the preparation and shaping of metallic materials. Continuous casting, as a crucial juncture in the solidification of molten metal, occupies a position of paramount significance. Nevertheless, during the process of continuous casting, challenges emerge, including uneven temperature field distribution, non-uniform solidification microstructures, and the presence of impurities, leading to defects such as segregation and shrinkage in the castings. Researchers have devoted decades to addressing these issues, culminating in the discovery that the application of electromagnetic stirring during continuous casting can expedite the flow of molten metal, enhance solute diffusion, thereby achieving uniform temperature and flow field distributions, refining solidification microstructures, and ameliorating macrosegregation, among other benefits. This article provides an overview of the recent research achievements and advancements in the utilization of electromagnetic stirring during the continuous casting process. It primarily elucidates various stirring devices commonly employed in continuous casting and expounds upon the influence of electromagnetic stirring on solidification characteristics. And the current problems and future development trends in the application of electromagnetic stirring were discussed.