Mathematical Modeling and Process Optimization of the Radial Continuous Casting of Steel

Abstract

In this study, an analysis and synthesis methodology for complex engineering problems is applied to radial continuous casting processes for steel (SRCCI). The quality of the operations of the respective machines significantly influences the production cost because an uninterrupted sequence of casting allows reducing the losses of materials and influences the energy consumption in the casting process. Also because of technological, mechanical and electrical breaks in the machines and other minor losses the costs increase. In this study, the objective function (operation cost) is optimized to decrease the costs and reach optimal values when the operation of the machines is completed within planned time and fewer losses and expenses. In this study, the analysis of a hybrid operation task is carried out in detail keeping human machine integration as an important modeling parameter. The relationship between the operation of the steel foundry workshop and the continuous casting process is mathematically modeled, and the most vital relationships and constraints of that model are pointed out to optimize the cost function in a decision support system.