Numerical investigation of the effect of inert components on the shrinkage phenomenon of coke

The effect of inert components in coke on the shrinkage ratio of coke was numerically investigated. The carbonization process of semi-coke was simulated by using the finite element method. Coke models with a coke matrix, pores, cracks, and/or inert components were used. The numerical results using a coke model composed of a coke matrix and pores indicated that pores did not affect the shrinkage behavior of semi-coke. In addition, cracks did not affect the shrinkage behavior. On the other hand, from a numerical simulation using a coke model with inert components, the addition of inert components decreased the shrinkage ratio of coke. When the inert components were added, the elastic modulus of the inert components, viscosity of the matrix of semi-coke, and size of the inert components affected the shrinkage ratio. Furthermore, cracks extending from the inert component drastically decreased the shrinkage ratio of coke because the thermal stress around the interface between the matrix and inert components opened the crack.