Evolution of Solidification Structure and Macrosegregation in Continuously Cast Slab Induced by Strand Electromagnetic Stirring

A 3D solidification simulation was conducted to investigate the effects of strand electromagnetic stirring (S‐EMS) on slab quality, focusing on current intensity, placement, fluid dynamics, heat exchange, solute distribution, and grain nucleation. It also delved into the shift from columnar to equiaxed structures, a critical CET process. The model was validated using ThermalCAM, macrostructure evaluation, and carbon‐sulfur analysis. The findings demonstrated that the implementation of S‐EMS enhances superheat dissipation, achieves a more uniform temperature distribution, and facilitates the nucleation and growth of equiaxed grains. As the S‐EMS current intensity increases, the equiaxed grain zone transitions from a bone‐like structure to an elliptical form, accompanied by an expansion in its overall area. The negative segregation effect becomes more significant as the current intensity rises, while central segregation initially decreases and then increases. At a constant current intensity of 400 A, the thickness of the shell gradually increases as one moves away from the mold meniscus. This phenomenon reduces magnetic induction in the liquid, weakens electromagnetic‐driven molten steel flow, and lessens segregation effects from S‐EMS. Placing S‐EMS farther from the mold meniscus enhances solute homogenization during late solidification but may increase segregation on the slab's far side.