ATHOR Information

Refractories are heat-resistant materials used as inner linings of high temperature furnaces, reactors and processing units. ATHOR (Advanced THermomechanical multiscale mOdelling of Refractory linings) is an innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary project that brings together 15 early stage researchers, 7 academic beneficiaries and 8 private partners. This 4-year European Training Network (ETN) program started in October 2017 as a Marie-Sklodowska-Curie action (Innovative Training Network – ITN). The ATHOR network is firstly dedicated to train researchers in multi engineering required fields for a better understanding of thermomechanical behaviour of refractory linings used in I&S applications. The project will cover all the main features of thermomechanical analysis of refractory linings including material characterization, impact of corrosion on thermomechanical properties, thermal shock resistance, modelling of non-linear thermomechanical behaviours, instrumentation of industrial devices and measurement in operation conditions. The 15 ESRs recruited will take advantage of the most sophisticated numerical tools to model, design and predict the life of different lining configurations in critical operational conditions. Being trained in scientific, technical and soft skills, these ESRs are the next generation of highly employable scientists and engineers in the refractory sector and related areas. The main scientific objective of the ATHOR network is to adapt and develop the most advanced modelling strategies and experimental technologies to the field of refractory to be able to perform reliable computations and measurement in the temperature range of the applications of these materials. ATHOR targets the development of high-end engineering technologies in the fields of material’s science and numerical simulations to give a substantial contribution through the design of more robust and reliable refractory linings.