FEM modelling of firing temperature and stress zones

In the introduction, the principal possibilities of using finite element mo delling (FEM) for problem solving in the firing processes of ceramics are g iven. Subsequently, two concrete application examples are described. In the first example, the temperature and stress calculation during biscuit firin g of porcelain is discussed. The results are given for the influence of the heating rate for stacked firing and single-layer firing of fiat tableware, the influence of the positioning of the individual plates in the plate sta ck, and changes in shape of the article during the formation of temperature and stress fields could be estimated. In a second example, the heat stress es that arise during the firing of high voltage insulators were calculated. it ran be shown how the progression of the stresses is influenced by the b ody geometry, especially with the insulators "cup" design. During the cours e of the firing process, a regulating influence is possible. The examples s hould encourage further problem solving by specific use of FEM.