Mathematical Modeling of the Movement of Moisture in Refractory Concrete and Gunning Bodies During Drying

Abstract

Amathematical model of the movement of moisture in refractory water-sealed materials of different densities where there is an external temperature field present is constructed. The Fourier thermal conductivity equations, Fick’s diffusion equation, and the method of finite elements are used to solve the problem. The diffusion coefficients of water in the test materials are determined by means of laboratory tests from the loss of mass in the course of drying of the samples. Features typical of the movement of moisture in refractory concrete for the case of deposition on cold and hot surfaces are determined as a result of a subsequent computational experiment, using as examples the casting bottom of a casting ladle and guniting of an intermediate ladle.