A two-dimensional finite element model was used to analyze the thermal and mechanical behavior dunng solidification of the strand in a continuous bloom casting mold.The coupled heat transfer and defermation were analyzed to simulate the formation of the air gap between the mold and the strand.The model was used to investigate the influence of mold taper on the temperature and stress distributions in the strand.The results show that the air gap mainly forms around the strand corner,causing a hoRer and thinner solidifying shell in this region.The mold taper partially compensates for the strand shell shnnkage and reduces the infiuence of the air gap on the heat transfer.The mold taper compresses the shell and changes the stress state around the stmnd comer region.As the strand moves down into the mold,the mold constraint causes compressive stress beneath the comer surface.which reduces the hot tear that forms on the strand.