Prediction of softening behavior of simulant sinter ore by ADEM-SPH model

Softening and melting phenomena of burdens in the cohesive zone in the blast furnace are factors that cause the deterioration of gas permeability. Numerical examinations to predict the softening behavior of burdens in the packed bed were performed in this study. In order to represent the softening characteristics of the simulant sinter ore, the simulation of a single pellet load softening test was carried out. The strength properties of the pellets were evaluated by the shrinkage degree in the load softening test. Shrinkage degree of pellets with different basicity and pre-reduction ratio were attempted to reproduce. To represent the softening behavior of the pellet, ADEM (Advanced Distinct Element Method) SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) coupling model was applied. Softening and shrinkage could be represented by decreasing the joint spring coefficient while the pellet was loaded. The relationship between the joint spring coefficient and the temperature was determined to compare the shrinkage degree obtained in the experiment and the simulation. The determined joint spring coefficient was used to predict the softening behavior in the load softening test of a packed bed. The simulation results of the shrinkage degree curve showed good agreement with the experimental results. It was indicated that the softening behavior in the cohesive zone could be predicted by this calculation method.