INFLUENCE OF IMPACT TOOL OPERATING MODES ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF REFRACTORY MATERIALS IN METALLURGICAL FURNACES

Abstract

In the modern metallurgical industry, the efficiency and durability of furnace linings determine the stability of technological processes and the profitability of production. One of the key factors affecting the wear resistance of lining materials is the operation modes of the percussion tool during repair and maintenance operations. The article examines the impact of percussion tool operation modes on the structural changes of lining materials in metallurgical furnaces, a crucial aspect in enhancing the durability and efficiency of heat-technical equipment. The action of tools used to dismantle worn linings and prepare surfaces for repair often leads to cracks, microdefects, and uneven stress distribution in the material, which can reduce the unit’s quality of further operation. The methodological basis of the work was experimental research and modelling of lining destruction processes using numerical methods, in particular, the implicit gradient model. The work considered the kinematic and dynamic parameters of the impact action and established the regularities of damage zone formation depending on the energy characteristics of the tool. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of the distribution of stresses and deformations in the lining material, determining the dependence between the load and the crack opening (CMOD), as well as comparing the numerical modelling results with experimental data. The results obtained showed that optimising the operating modes of the impact tool allows for reducing the risks of critical damage and increasing the efficiency of destroying worn lining layers without excessive load on the base. The proposed approach provides a more uniform distribution of impact energy, helping to reduce undesirable structural changes in the material.The practical significance of the work lies in the formation of scientifically based recommendations for selecting impact parameters, which enables an increase in energy efficiency and technological reliability of the metallurgical furnace maintenance process. The presented results can be used to improve methods for diagnosing and predicting the residual life of the lining, as well as to develop new design solutions for impact tools.