Industrial project related to structural Integrity and failure

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the structural integrity and failure of a mild steel beam supporting a graphite structure in an industrial setting. The beam is subjected to high temperatures from molten glass and is cooled by water lines, leading to concerns about its performance and potential failure. Participants are exploring the causes of the beam's failure and possible solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster suggests that the beam may be deforming permanently due to creep, given its exposure to high temperatures and loads.
  • One participant questions the significance of temperature, noting that if the cooling maintains the beam at 60°C, temperature might not be the primary issue, and requests additional details about the beam's dimensions and load.
  • The dimensions of the beam and the total load it supports are provided, indicating a self-weight of 500 kg and an additional load from graphite rods of about 200 kg.
  • Another participant points out that while the melting point of mild steel is 1400 K, the beam's temperature of 330 K should not be problematic, but raises concerns about temperature fluctuations affecting the beam's expansion and contraction.
  • Suggestions are made regarding the type of screw jack to be used for leveling the beam, emphasizing the need for precision and adequate load capacity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of temperature in the beam's failure, with some suggesting it is not a significant factor while others highlight the importance of thermal expansion and contraction. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the primary cause of the beam's failure.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including a lack of detailed assumptions about the loading conditions, the specific thermal behavior of the materials involved, and the mechanical properties of the beam under varying temperatures.

MessiJr.
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Homework Statement



I am doing my internship at Saint Gobain Glass India, Chennai . I have been allotted a project to work in my time at the company .

The problem is related to failure of an Mild Steel beam supporting graphite structure in the process line . As such this beam is exposed to molten glass flowing beneath at 650 K and the entire structure (MS Beam + Graphite rods ) are at around 10 mm from the glass . The MS Beam is constantly cooled by water lines through it and maintained at around 330 K and leveled timely using a screw jack at both ends whenever the MS beam sags due to its weight and graphite structure and after sometime its failing . They asked me to study more about the problem giving the causes and possible solutions to tackle such problem as the beam is costing about 10 lakhs INR .

Homework Equations



{ DUNNO :( except for the deflections of beams supported at ends and some theory related creep.}


The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking the beams are deforming over time permanently due to CREEP .

please can anyone tell e more about the cause of problem...
 
Last edited:
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This isn't my subject but...

If the water cooling keeps the beam at 60C I doubt temperature is a problem. I suspect you might get better answers if you post the dimensions of the beam and the load.
 
MS Beam Dimensions : 6 m * 200 mm * 140 mm
Load : self weight ( 500 Kg ) + graphite rod-4m ( about 200 Kg )
 
Mild Steel beam melting point 1400 K, so 330 K is not problem. I think should be consider expand when heated and contract when cooled, also like you said constantly cooled by water lines, but it is very hard to keep 300 K all the time, some times 400 K, some times 250 K. what do you think?

For screw jack, should be used enough load capacity, precision positioning, self locking acme screw jack, or high precision ball screw jack with brake mechanism. Same as worm gear screw jack for rollers gap adjustment, please visit http://www.screw-jack.com/info/application-rolling-mill-roller-adjustment.html

Hope above information is helpful for you.
 

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