Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation and Virtual Reality visualization of a blast furnace hearth

Yuzhu Hu, Purdue University

Abstract

The blast furnace is an important unit for producing pig iron in the steel industry. The hearth of the blast furnace plays a critical role for the furnace campaign life. The erosion of the blast furnace hearth is significantly affected by the temperature distributions inside the hearth. Understanding the heat transfer characteristics of the blast furnace hearth is crucial to direct hearth operation and relining. A 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model had been developed to simulate the molten iron flow and heat transfer in a blast furnace hearth. Parametric studies focused on the effects of thermal conductivity, heat transfer coefficient, and dead-man shape. The application of the CFD model has provided recommendations for selecting the materials for the cooling wall and refractory. This research also introduces an application which uses Virtual Reality (VR) to visualize CFD results of a blast furnace hearth in a tracked immersive projection system. The VR technology made it possible for researchers to analyze a vast amount of CFD data in a virtual environment. The research mainly focuses on integration of CFD simulation data and VR technology to create a realistic virtual blast furnace hearth presenting complex operations and phenomenon. The virtual environment can help people easily understand the detailed operating information. The system also provides a useful training tool for new operators and engineers, who can learn, operate and design blast furnaces more efficiently.

Degree

M.S.E.

Advisors

Zhou, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Mechanical engineering

COinS