Experimental and numerical study of the thermomechanical behaviour of refractory model materials

The thermomechanical behaviour of refractory materials in use is strongly dependent on their Youngʹs modulus value. However, their microstructural complexity makes difficult the understanding of the influence of temperature on elastic moduli and the use of simplified models is needed. uently, two complementary analytical and numerical approaches coupled with experimental measurements on simplified bi-phased model materials (glass matrix surrounding mono-diametral spherical inclusions of alumina) were implemented. astic behaviour of model materials involving perfect cohesive matrix/inclusions interfaces has been previously studied in the laboratory. So, the present work is focused on materials with partly cohesive matrix/inclusions interfaces. An ultrasonic technique was used to measure Youngʹs modulus values and the finite element method (FEM) to perform numerical simulations. The experimental study of Youngʹs modulus versus temperature shows a hysteresis loop characteristic of the interfaces closing and opening. Finally, a comparison of experimental and simulated results with those given by the most common analytical models was carried out.