ATHOR – Advanced Thermomechanical Multiscale Modelling of Refractory Linings

My doctorate was carried out at the University of Orléans – France, in the framework of the project ATHOR, which was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The ATHOR network was firstly dedicated to train researchers in multi-engineering required fields for a better understanding of thermo-mechanical behavior of refractory linings used in iron and steel applications. The project covered all main features of thermomechanical analysis of refractory linings, including material characterization, impact of corrosion on thermomechanical properties, thermal shock resistance, modeling of non-linear thermo-mechanical behavior, instrumentation of industrial devices and measurements under operation conditions. The 15 Early Stage Researchers (PhD candidates) recruited took advantage of the most sophisticated numerical tools to model, design and predict the lifetime of different lining configurations in critical operational conditions.

The project was implemented through a strong relationship between academia and industrial partners across the European Union. During my studies I could make internships at the Montanuniversität Leoben – Austria, and at Saint-Gobain Research Provence – France.