A study has been made of the influence of asymmetric cooling of bodies due to the temperature difference on the surfaces, the difference in thermophysical characteristics of the media, and the geometry of the body on the velocity of motion of isotherms as they approach the thermal center. The results have been used for elucidation of the causes of certain thermophysical features appearing when continuously cast ingots solidify in horizontal continuous casting plants and when the bloom molds are replaced by slab molds in continuous ingot casting machines. An analytical expression for the displacement of the thermal center of a