<p>A mathematical model coupling flow, solidification, strain–stress, and interface failure was developed. Following identification of crack source type through thermal tensile experiment and validation by strain–stress comparison, the model was used to investigate slab cracking tendency near precipitated phases, considering various locations, sizes and shapes of them. The results show that the jet from submerged entry nozzle creates a “double roll” flow pattern during continuous casting, resulting in more uniform temperature distributions at slab corner and wide surface center compared with narrow surface center. Consequently, precipitated phases, particularly those located on the narrow surface, readily induce stress concentration and thus increase cracking tendency. A smaller precipitated phase size can reduce the stress concentration zone, while a more spherical shape can distribute surrounding stress along its surface and lower the internal stress within it, thereby decreasing the risk of slab cracking during continuous casting. The optimal precipitated phase exhibits a spherical or ellipsoidal shape with a major axis of less than 5&#xa0;µm, minimizing its potential to initiate cracks.</p>