Thermomechanical Behavior of Steel Ladle Linings and the Influence of Insulations

Thermomechanical simulation of steel ladle linings particularly aims to identify lining failure due to thermal shock and possible joint opening during the service period. Thermal shock after filling may cause compressive failure and creep at the hot face thus reducing especially the circumferential length of the bricks hot face. Upon further thermal equilibration and associated radial displacement, joint opening may occur. A simulation using the Mohr-Coulomb model was applied to show the influence of material properties, the so-called controlled expansion, and the insulation on joint opening. Results show the necessary controlled expansion e.g. in dependence of preheating temperature.