Dual reciprocity boundary element method solution of the continuous casting problem

The steady-state convective-diffusive thermal field problem associated with direct-chill, semi-continuously cast ingots has been solved using the dual reciprocity boundary element method. The solution is based on formulation which incorporates the one-phase physical model, Laplace equation fundamental solution weighting, and augmented thin plate splines for transforming the domain integrals into a finite series of boundary integrals. Realistic non-linear boundary conditions and temperature variation of all material properties are included. Two-dimensional and axisymmetric test case solutions are shown.