Innovative wear modelling and ladle optimization (FEM)

Objectives: Develop and validate FE models for ladle linings (brick vs monolithic) capturing dry-out effects, thermal shock, primary/secondary creep, corrosion-induced property drift and progressive wear. Use biaxial press, pilot trials and full-scale monitoring for calibration/validation; compare stress–property–wear relations across architectures and explore shape, layer thickness and thermal-cycle trade-offs under multi-objective constraints. Provide data packages and reduced models and derive topology-optimisation-ready simplified models (creep/plasticity/thermo-elastic) to cut computation while preserving key physics. Deliver design guidance that connects ladle parameters to value-in-use and environmental impact.​

Expected Results:  Two FE thermo-mechanical models (brick vs. monolithic working lining) including primary/secondary creep, drying/corrosion-driven property change, and wear. Topology-optimisation-ready simplified model (creep/plasticity/thermo-elastic) and rules linking design parameters to value-in-use; datasets for PhD14. Validation against plant observations; element-deletion wear approach and property-gradient treatment for corroded zones.​

Keywords: Thermomechanical simulation, creep, wear, optimisation, corrosion.​

Applicant Profile: Master’s level in Mechanics and/or Computational Methods in Mechanical Engineering. Candidates should be excellent in their skills for numerical method (finite element method) applied to mechanics, with some experiences. Oral and written communication skills (English) are also required.​

PhD main locations:​
Period 1 - TATASTEEL (www.tatasteelnederland.com), IJmuiden, The Netherlands (18 months)​

Period 2 - UORL- LaMé (www.mechlabgabriellame.fr/laboratoire), Orléans, France (18 months)

En Région Centre Val de Loire, les Universités d’Orléans et de Tours, ainsi que l’INSA Centre Val de Loire, ont réuni, en 2018, leurs équipes de recherches dans le domaine de la mécanique des matériaux, des structures et du génie civil au sein d’un laboratoire unique. Cette nouvelle unité de recherche regroupe 54 enseignants chercheurs permanents et une quarantaine de doctorants.

Elève de dernière année d’école d’ingénieur ou master 2 (Simulation numérique, matériaux) avec compétences en modélisation numérique.