Numerical modelling of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of refractory concrete lining

Abstract

Refractory concretes are widely applied for the lining of steel shell of industrial structures subjected to high temperatures and pressure. Working linings of steel ladles are made of high alumina concretes applied in layers that receive heat flow. Modeling the thermo-mechanical behavior of these layers under service conditions is of paramount importance to evaluate the failure or cracking that determine their useful life. In this work, simulations of the heating and holding process of linings composed of several layers of different types of refractory with different alumina contents (51, 71 and 90wt%), previously studied, were performed. The developed model employed axisymmetric finite elements and the thermo-mechanical analyses were carried out using the ABAQUS software package. The results of the thermo-mechanical response were compared and it was observed that the combination using the refractory concrete with 90 wt.% of alumina as an inner layer, combined with materials of 71wt.% and 51wt.% as the middle and outer layers, respectively, is more efficient in terms of the thermal gradient. Therefore, would potentially lead to minor damage to the lining throughout the process of use. This indicates the importance of selection of the coating materials for application in layers.