Thermal stress fracture of refractory lining components: Part II. Safe heating and cooling rates

Abstract

The solution for the maximum principal tensile stress of a two-dimensional constant heating rate thermoelastic model has been used to develop a resistance-to-fracture-initiation parameter useful for the design and selection of refractory components that accounts for thermal and mechanical properties, geometry, and temperature range, as well as distinguishes between the heating and cooling cases. The parameter, namely safe heating or cooling rate, is defined as the maximum rate at which a rectangular shape can be heated or cooled through a specified temperature range without causing fracture, which is taken to be governed by the maximum principal tensile stress fracture criterion. Computation of the parameter is easily accomplished using a graphical technique. Tabulated values are used to plot dimensionless relationships that give the combinations of variables that both satisfy the fracture criterion and produce a specified value of hot face temperature. Good agreement was found between model predictions of safe heating rate and experimental values reported in the literature.