Abstract
The effect of the hot top geometry variations on the solidification time and macrosegregation formation during the solidification of a 12MT cast ingot made of a Cr-Mo-low alloy steel was investigated. The bottom pouring ingot casting of a 12 MT cast ingot was simulated by the three-dimensional finite element modeling code THERCAST®. The accuracy of the model was validated by experimental results of the macrosegregation map of a real ingot. The influence of the hot top geometry including an increase and a decrease in hot top height on the solidification parameters was determined. The results showed an increase of 27.5% and a decrease of 5 % in the solidification time by an increase of 43.3% and a decrease of 52.5% in hot top height, respectively. The new hot top geometries revealed variations in macrosegregation severity levels in different locations of the ingot.