Optimisation of the lining design of a BOF converter by finite element simulations

Abstract

Finite element simulations were performed in order to investigate the thermomechanical behaviour of a BOF converter and to optimise its lining design. For this purpose material models for triaxial compression are necessary. Values of friction and dilatancy angles were determined for several refractories. Simulations were especially applied to analyse the behaviour of the bottom/wall transition zone and to improve its design. Bending stresses showed to be the main failure mechanism in this region. An improved design could be developed by an appropriate choice of the step lengths, the partition of the lining thickness into two courses of brickwork, and by optimisation of the expansion allowances.