Dynaphase: Online Calculation of Thermodynamic Properties during Continuous Casting

The Siemens VAI software model DynaPhase calculates thermodynamic properties depending on the chemical analysis of steel. It can be used online together with Siemens VAI’s secondary cooling model Dynacs 3D, which is a unique feature. Offline it can be used to investigate the thermodynamic properties of steel grades and therefore supports the development of new grades. The core of DynaPhase is a substitutional solution model for the Gibbs free energy for calculating multi-component phase diagrams. The parameters of this model are determined by employing the CALPHAD approach. This model is combined with a microsegregation model to account for the interdendritic solidification process. New differential scanning calometry measurements of the Department of Metallurgy at the Mining University of Leoben have been used to extend the DynaPhase database for high Al or Si concentrations. This paper shows how important correct thermodynamic properties calculations with DynaPhase are, for controlling the secondary cooling system in continuous casting.