High-Temperature Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Analysis of a Low-Carbon Steel Related to Cracking

Cracking in continuously cast steel slabs has been one of the main problems in casting for decades. In recent years, the use of computational models has led to a significant improvement in caster performance and product quality. However, these models require accurate thermomechanical properties as input data, which are either unreliable or nonexistent for many alloys of commercial interest. A major reason for this lack of reliable data is that high-temperature mechanical properties are difficult to measure. Several methods have been developed to assess the material strength during solidification, especially for light alloys. The tensile strength during solidification of a low carbon aluminum-killed (LCAK; obtained from Tata Steel Mainland Europe cast at the DSP plant in IJmuiden, the Netherlands) has been studied by a technique for high-temperature tensile testing, which was developed at Sumitomo Metal Industries in Japan. The experimental technique enables a sample to melt and solidify without a crucible, making possible the accurate measurement of load over a small solidification temperature range. In the current study, the tensile test results are analyzed and the characteristic zero-ductility and zero-strength temperatures are determined for this particular LCAK steel grade. The fracture surfaces are investigated following tensile testing, which provides an invaluable insight into the fracture mechanism and a better understanding with respect to the behavior of the steel during solidification. The role of minor alloying elements, like sulfur, in hot cracking susceptibility is also discussed.