HOTBRICKS project is principally aimed to exchange know-how and experience in the modern and challenging field of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics via staff secondment, through the design of thermal shock resistant elements in use for liquid steel technologies, in a close and synergic collaboration between a research academic group (UNITN) specialized in the modelling of nonlinear behaviour of materials and a creative industry (VESUVIUS), leader in the production of refractories for steel, glass and foundry industries and committed to safety and sustainable development. The goal will be reached by :
i) advances in the design of refractory pieces and machines; ii) development of innovative technologies for handling molten materials (steel, glass or other). The novel technologies will improve problem identification and enhance successful design, with an increase of safety factors.