Simulation of temperature distribution in the oriented silicon steel coil in the heating stage of annealing process

•Temperature in oriented silicon steel coil heated in annealing furnace is simulated.•Temperature distribution on the cover is uniform at all annealing stages.•Reducing gap between layers of the coil lowers temperature difference in the coil.•Replacing N2 by H2 as atmosphere also reduces temperature difference in the coil.•Simulation results are verified by experiment.