Simplified numerical approach for the thermo-mechanical analysis of steelmaking components under cyclic loading: an anode for electric arc furnace

The need of a strong improvement of productivity and reliability led the adoption of advanced modeling techniques in the design of steelmaking plants components. In this work a procedure based on a finite element simulation is proposed in order to perform a durability analysis of an anode for electric arc furnace. This component undergoes cyclic thermal loads, which also produce a partial melting of one part, meanwhile the other is maintained at almost constant temperature by a cooling system. A simplified, but effective, procedure is developed to take into account steel melting during the heating phase. Considering the cyclic loading conditions, several material cyclic plasticity models, and their effect on the thermal fatigue behavior, are also systematically investigated. The proposed approach permits the component fatigue life to be assessed by a simple and fast uncoupled thermo-mechanical simulation in steady-state conditions.