Analytical and finite-element analysis of insitu solidified specimen upsetting

The behaviour of solidified steel in the continuous casting process is determined by means of a laboratory-scale upsetting test of specimens that are obtained by fusion and in-situ solidification in the test machine.

From the curves of upsetting load-cylinder height decrease and the initial and final specimen dimensions, the stress-strain-strain rate relationships and the related equatorial stress-strain paths are calculated using an analytical model, the performance of which is estimated by comparing the results with those given by non-linear finite-element models.

Reference experiments are achieved on in-situ solidified A 283 steel cylinders at 1050°C; stress-strain-strain rate relationships, equatorial strain and stress paths being determined. The analytical results give rather good estimates, especially for strain and strain rate.