Abstract: A steel production facility and a method of uninterrupted, or at least cyclical, steelmaking in the facility. In the case of uninterrupted steelmaking at least the first three of the following steps and in case of cyclical steelmaking all five steps are performed: charge materials are molten uninterruptedly or cyclically in an electric arc furnace; the charge materials (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory ceramic plus for regulating a metal melt flowing past in the region of an outlet opening of a metallurgical melting vessel, for example of a tundish.

Abstract: Steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment includes, in sequence, a pre-heating zone, a heating zone, a soaking zone, a cooling zone, a reheating zone, an overaging zone, and a final cooling zone, and further includes a rapid heating region and a rapid cooling region that are provided within a range from the reheating zone to the final cooling zone (including the reheating zone and the final cooling zone), the rapid heating region allowing rapid heating of a steel sheet at a heating rate of 15° C./s or more and the rapid cooling region allowing rapid cooling, at a cooling rate of 10° C./s or more, of the steel sheet that has been rapidly heated in the rapid heating region. Various steel-sheet products ranging from mild steel sheets to ultrahigh-tensile steel sheets can be produced by performing a heat treatment with such steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the inner space of a container provides for the measurement of the wear of the lining of a container such as a torpedo ladle optionally while the ladle is still hot. The interior lining of the container is scanned by a scanner head from a first position in the container which is at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the container. The scanner head is placed in a second position in the container at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the container and from the second position the scanner head scans the portions of the interior lining of the container which were not scanned during the first position scan. By comparing the scanning measurements of the lining from the first position scan and the second position scan after the container has been loaded and unloaded with an initial reference measurement of the lining the wear of the lining can be measured.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for molten metal includes a porous plug with a first end and an opposed second end, an outer protective sheath with a closed end, an inner protective tube with a closed end, and a thermocouple arranged within an interior of the inner protective tube. The outer protective sheath extends away from the first end of the plug and the inner protective tube is arranged within an interior of the outer protective sheath. The porous plug comprises a substantially refractory material and the outer protective sheath consists essentially of substantially refractory metal oxide and graphite. A junction of the thermocouple is proximate to the closed end of the inner protective tube.

Abstract: A method for producing liquid pig iron or liquid steel intermediate products from fine-particled material containing iron oxide. The fine-particled material is prereduced in at least one prereduction stage and reduced in a final reduction stage to sponge iron. The sponge iron is melted in a melt-down gasification zone, with carbon carriers and oxygen-containing gas supplied. A CO- and H2-containing reduction gas is generated and introduced into the final reduction stage, is converted there, is drawn off and introduced into at least one prereduction stage, converted there and drawn off. A first quantity fraction of the fine-particled material containing iron oxide is introduced into a melt-down gasification zone via at least one prereduction stage and one final reduction stage, and a further quantity fraction of the fine-particled material containing iron oxide is introduced into the melt-down gasification zone directly or together with the carbon carriers and the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A method for controlling a ladle to pour molten metal into a sprue of a mold. The method includes obtaining a mathematical model describing a locus of positions where the molten metal flowing from the ladle drops on an upper surface of the sprue. The method further includes solving an inverse problem of the mathematical model, estimating a position where the molten metal drops using a result of the solving of the inverse problem, and determining target voltages to be supplied to servomotors controlling the ladle. At least the target voltage to be supplied to one of the servomotors is determined based on the estimated position. The method also includes controlling the servomotors based on respective target voltages.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing the interior of a blast furnace system includes a visible light guiding unit which defines a light path along a viewing axis that is radial to an upright axis of a furnace wall body of a blast furnace and which is adapted to be secured to a furnace blowpipe to permit the light path to be in visual communication with a tuyere, a beam splitter which is disposed in an accommodation space in the tubular mount to split a beam of light propagating along the light path into a horizontal component so that the operator can observe furnace condition through a peeping hole, and a vertical component, and a video camera system which includes an elongate casing connected to the tubular mount, and a video camera disposed in a cooling chamber of the casing to capture a light image from the vertical component of the light beam.

Abstract: A device and to a corresponding method for partially hardening a metallic work piece, in which the work piece is transported in a continuous furnace along a conveying direction by means of a conveyor and partially heated by means of a heating device. It is proposed that the heating device generates at least one heating zone that is moved in the conveying direction together with the work piece.

Abstract: Provided are an agitation device, a melting apparatus, and a melting method which achieve good melting efficiency without contaminating molten metal. The agitation device is provided with a traveling magnetic field generating unit which is disposed outside a charging tank for storing molten metal and generates, inside the charging tank, a magnetic field that travels downward along the rear sidewall of the charging tank, whereby a flow of the molten metal that rotates longitudinally about an axis approximately parallel to the surface of the molten metal is produced in the molten metal. By charging aluminum cutting chips into the molten metal in which the flow is produced, the aluminum cutting chips move with the flow of the molten metal, get into the molten metal roughly in the position where a downward flow of the molten metal is produced, and are immersed in the molten metal, and thus the melting of the aluminum cutting chips is accelerated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the determination of at least one parameter of a molten metal or a slag layer lying on top of the molten metal. The apparatus has a carrier tube, a measuring head arranged on one end of the carrier tube with a body fixed in the carrier tube. An A/D converter is arranged within the measuring head or the carrier tube, and the A/D converter is connected to at least one sensor arranged in or on the measuring head. The measuring head has a contact piece, which is electrically connected via its contact terminals to the signal output of the A/D converter, and the contact piece is connected to a lance inserted into the carrier tube. No more than two signal lines are arranged within the lance, the signal lines each being connected at one end via a contact terminal of the contact piece to the A/D converter and at an opposite end to a computer or an analysis device.

Abstract: A resident measurement system for a charge level of a blast furnace includes a chamber, a servo system, a distance measurement unit, and a cooling-cleaning unit. The chamber is combined with a lateral furnace wall of the blast-furnace, covers an opening of the furnace wall, and has a pivoting hole. A pivot of the distance measurement unit is pivotally disposed at the pivoting hole, and the distance measurement unit is driven by the servo system to perform a motion with the pivot as a movement center, so as to measure the charge level. The cooling-cleaning unit is used to supply a high-pressure gas, which flows through the distance measurement unit to perform cooling and cleansing operations.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods and systems are used to determine operating condition and performance of a cooling element in a metallurgical reactor during operation of the reactor. A system can include sensing means, processing means and display means. The sensing means is located in or approximate the cooling element for sensing operating conditions of the cooling element. The processing means is in communication with the sensing means for receiving data corresponding to the sensed operating conditions and for processing the data to determine a relative condition indicator of the cooling element. The display means is in communication with the processing means and displays the relative condition indicator to a user of the diagnostic system. The display means can display a first, second or third state representative of the relative health indicator.

Abstract: An experiment is conducted in advance, for finding a temperature of a cooling plate attained as a result of balancing between a temperature of a substrate after heat treatment and a temperature of the cooling plate at the time of cooling of the substrate. Then, before heat treatment of a first substrate, the cooling plate is moved to a position above a hot plate, the cooling plate is heated to that temperature, and thereafter heat treatment of the substrate is started.

Abstract: A conveying system comprising elements for conveying lumpy, particularly hot, conveying stock and a cover for shielding the conveying stock. Disclosed are measures for inerting the conveying stock. A combined system encompasses a reduction plant for reducing oxides in a continuous process and processing unit for producing liquid metal in a discontinuous process. The reduction product is deliverable from the reduction plant to the processing unit. A method for coupling a reduction method used for reducing oxides in a continuous process and a method used for producing liquid metal in a discontinuous process. A reduction product from the reduction method is fed to the liquid metal production method for processing.

Abstract: A steelmaking plant method and apparatus which includes a pressurized direct reduction reactor for continuous production of hot direct reduced iron (ORI); feeding such DRI to a batch melting furnace or to a standby cooler. The furnace is selectively charged through a diverter valve by a pneumatic transport system with the hot DRI being entrained in a motive carrier gas fed via a first conduit into a receiving bin. A pressurized charge of the DRI accumulated in such disengaging buffer bin is periodically fed via a second conduit down into low dosing/depressurization bin which in turn depressurizes the DRI and feeds a batch of DRI down into the furnace. Upon sensing the capacity of the buffer portion of the receiving bin being filled, the DRI! is then pneumatically diverted from the reactor to the cooler, such as during shut down of the furnace for maintenance or otherwise.

Abstract: Equipment for thermochemical treatment of steels and alloys in gaseous mediums with automatic control includes a heating furnace with/without a muffle, a process gas catalyst impact block located in the furnace, a mechanism for supply, mixing, proportioning and extraction of process gases and a device of indirect monitoring and control of the nitrogen potential in the furnace atmosphere. The device of indirect monitoring and control of the nitrogen potential in the furnace atmosphere is an oxygen sensor, a secondary transducer with indication of the nitrogen potential in weight units of nitrogen content in iron and an actuator, while the process gas catalyst impact block is located in the furnace on the process gas supply line. The technical result achieved is that reliability and stability of processes are significantly increased, as well as the period of nitriding is reduced due to integrated process automation that is available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for a press hardening die which has a structure improved to decrease cooling rate of trimming portions in pressing a steel plate blank for manufacturing a part for press hardening. A press hardening die cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a press hardening die composed of upper and lower dies equipped with cooling water suppliers therein to press a steel plate blank from the top and the bottom; and a cooling water temperature adjuster disposed between the cooling water suppliers of the upper and lower dies and the contact surface of the steel plate blank to adjust temperature of cooling water supplied to the steel plate blank.

Abstract: An apparatus for bottom pouring into an investment cast includes a container that holds a melted casting material, where the container moves from a first container position to a second container position. In the first container position, holes on a stationary nozzle are not exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material remains in the container. In the second container position, holes on the stationary nozzle are exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material flows out the bottom of the container through the stationary nozzle. A temperature detection device determines the temperature of the melted casting material, and a heating device heats the melted casting material to a specified temperature.

Abstract: In a method and with a device for preparing process gases (3) for heat treatments of metallic materials/workpieces, the respective process gas (3) is to be fed into at least one treatment chamber (1.1) in an industrial furnace (1) having been practically fully prepared, homogenised and heated, and the method is to be carried out both with newly built and particularly with already existing installations of industrial furnaces (1) with the aid of the device, wherein the process gas (3) is prepared with compression at temperatures uncoupled from the temperature in the treatment chamber (1.1), in a process separate from the heat treatment process in the treatment chamber (1.1), and in a temperature range up to about 1250° C., and is rendered usable for economical and low-emission heat treatment (FIG. 3).

Abstract: An inspection hole structure 1 forming a furnace inspection hole 2 installed on the reaction shaft ceiling 104 of a flash smelting furnace, comprising a lower-stage water-cooling jacket 3A having an opening 3Aa at the center; an upper-stage water-cooling jacket 3B which is connected integrally to an upper part of said lower-stage water-cooling jacket 3A and forms said inspection hole 2 at the center in cooperation with said lower-stage water-cooling jacket 3A; and a bottom cover water-cooling jacket 4 provided in said lower-stage water-cooling jacket 3A to open or close said opening of said lower-stage water-cooling jacket 3A.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the production and the melting of liquid pig iron or of liquid steel intermediate products in a melt-down gasifier, with the introduction of oxygen-containing gas streams through oxygen nozzles into the solid bed. At least one oxygen nozzle has a single gas supply and introduces at least two gas streams. Using plural gas streams from a nozzle reduces the risk of fluidization of the solid bed because the number of gas raceways in materials in the gasifier is increased.

Abstract: Steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment includes, in sequence, a pre-heating zone, a heating zone, a soaking zone, a cooling zone, a reheating zone, an overaging zone, and a final cooling zone, and further includes a rapid heating region and a rapid cooling region that are provided within a range from the reheating zone to the final cooling zone (including the reheating zone and the final cooling zone), the rapid heating region allowing rapid heating of a steel sheet at a heating rate of 15° C./s or more and the rapid cooling region allowing rapid cooling, at a cooling rate of 10° C./s or more, of the steel sheet that has been rapidly heated in the rapid heating region. Various steel-sheet products ranging from mild steel sheets to ultrahigh-tensile steel sheets can be produced by performing a heat treatment with such steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment.

Abstract: A device for control of bubbling of a metal bath in a ladle or in another similar metallurgical vessel including a bottom injector linked to a source of supply of pressurized stirring gas to be injected with aid of a pipe provided with a facility for adjusting flow rate, at least one vibration sensor mounted on the vessel itself or on a support frame, a signal processing unit processing a vibratory signal gathered by the sensor, and wherein the signal processing unit includes at least, and in successive order of processing of the vibratory signal, a high-pass analog filter, a digitizer, a digital filter calibrated on vibratory responses of the ladle, and a computer for computing a sliding temporal quadratic mean of RMS type.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for molten metal includes a porous plug with a first end and an opposed second end, an outer protective sheath with a closed end, an inner protective tube with a closed end, and a thermocouple arranged within an interior of the inner protective tube. The outer protective sheath extends away from the first end of the plug and the inner protective tube is arranged within an interior of the outer protective sheath. The porous plug comprises a substantially refractory material and the outer protective sheath consists essentially of substantially refractory metal oxide and graphite. A junction of the thermocouple is proximate to the closed end of the inner protective tube.

Abstract: A vessel comprises a probe oriented downward from an outside surface of the vessel to an inside surface of the vessel. A method of operating a vessel, the vessel comprising a vessel wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, comprises: defining a hole extending through the vessel wall, the hole being oriented at a downward angle from the outside surface to the inside surface; and placing a probe in the hole; and preventing slag buildup around the probe during operation of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the electromagnetic stirring of electrically conductive fluids by using a magnetic field RMF rotating in the horizontal plane, and a magnetic field WMF traveling in a vertical direction thereto. The object consists in avoiding asymmetric flow structures in containers filled with melts, in particular at the beginning and during the course of the solidification. Moreover, the aim is to achieve an effective mixing of the fluid and/or a controlled solidification of metallic alloys by avoiding the formation of separation zones in the solidification structure. The solution consists in the fact that both the rotating magnetic field RMF and the traveling magnetic field WMF are switched on discontinuously in the form of temporally restricted and adjustable periods and alternately in time one after another via associated induction coils.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and applications related to annealing nuclear fission reactor materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metallurgical vessel (1), in particular an arc furnace, having a holding container (2) for metal melt and having a lid (3), by means of which the holding container (2) can be at least partially covered, wherein the metallurgical vessel also has at least one lance (4, 5) for the supply of a medium into the metallurgical vessel (1), and wherein the at least one lance (4, 5) is pivotably arranged on or in the metallurgical vessel (1). In order to be able to introduce a medium into the interior of the furnace in an improved manner, the invention provides that at least one lance (4, 5) is arranged in the region of the lid (3) of the metallurgical vessel (1) on a revolute joint (6) which has a rotational axis aligned in a horizontal direction (H).

Abstract: A steel-member manufacturing facility that can suppress distortion occurring in a quenching process while preventing increase in manufacturing cost includes: a die-cutting apparatus to form a washer; a high-frequency induction heating apparatus for quenching purpose as well as a mold-constraining cooling apparatus that heat the washer as formed and thereafter cool the washer so as to quench-harden the washer; and a high-frequency induction heating apparatus for tempering purpose that heats the quench-hardened washer so as to temper the washer. The high-frequency induction heating apparatus for quenching purpose can heat the washer by induction heating to the temperature of at least Ac1 point. The mold-constraining cooling apparatus uses a mold to constrain the heated washer while using the mold as a cooling member, thereby cooling the washer to the temperature of at most Ms point.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for treating return ores using plasma, capable of treating sintered return ores generated in a sintering process in a steel maker or return ores (iron ores) employed in other ironmaking process such as FINEX. The method of treating return ores using plasma includes: providing return ores sorted out by a sorting process; and bonding the return ores by fusing and agglomerating the return ores using plasma. Also, an apparatus for treating return ores using plasma includes a plasma heating device used to fuse and agglomerate sorted return ores. The return ores of a predetermined grain size are fusion-bonded and agglomerated using a flame of a plasma heating device. Particularly, the return ores can be treated in a massive amount to enhance productivity of a fusion-bonding process of the return ores. Furthermore, a great amount of sintered return ores generated in the sintering process can be subjected to a fewer number of re-treatment processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat treatment of integral rotors of gas turbines is disclosed. The apparatus includes a closable working space which can be evacuated or filled with inert gas, a heat source, a distance-measuring instrument, and a pyrometer. A method for diminishing and/or for eliminating internal stresses which are introduced into a component through welding is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a melting furnace with an agitator. The melting furnace with an agitator includes a melting furnace that contains melt, and an agitator that agitates the melt by an electromagnetic force. The agitator includes a first electrode that is provided at an arbitrary position of the melting furnace so as to come in contact with the melt contained in the melting furnace, a second electrode that is provided near a bottom wall of the melting furnace so as to come in contact with the melt, a first magnetic field device that is provided outside the melting furnace so as to face the bottom wall of the melting furnace and makes a north pole face the bottom wall, and a second magnetic field device that is provided outside the melting furnace so as to face the bottom wall of the melting furnace and makes a south pole face the bottom wall. The first and second magnetic field devices are disposed with a gap in a certain direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial furnace for smelting metals, in particular nonferrous metals, and the respective nozzle element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second.

Abstract: A lance for receiving a sensor or sampler for metal melts has a top part and a bottom part provided for arrangement on the sensor or sampler. The top part and the bottom part are detachably connected to each other by a plug-in coupling, wherein the plug-in coupling has two coupling parts that can be inserted one in the other. Of these coupling parts, one coupling part is arranged on the top part and the other coupling part is arranged on the bottom part of the lance, and the two coupling parts are inserted one in the other in the longitudinal direction of the lance. One of the two coupling parts has, on its open connection end, an opening or groove that extends from the front face of the coupling part in the longitudinal direction of the lance and has, spaced from the front face, an extension formed in the peripheral direction of the coupling part. On the other coupling part a raised portion is formed that engages in the extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of conditioning a thermally activated shape memory alloy wire for use in an application, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable hard-stop and the preferred method includes pre-determining a minimum activating current, allowable strain, and a loading magnitude and form based on the wire configuration and application, and further includes applying a double-exponential model to determine a final recoverable strain over fewer cycles.

Abstract: Devices may be in contact with molten metals such as copper, for example. The devices may include, but are not limited to, a die used for producing articles made from the molten metal, a sensor for determining an amount of a dissolved gas in the molten metal, or an ultrasonic device for reducing gas content (e.g., hydrogen) in the molten metal. Niobium may be used as a protective barrier for the devices when they are exposed to the molten metals.

Abstract: A method for protecting a tuyere assembly and a refractory lining of a furnace, and in particular a blast furnace, against damage caused by expansion of the refractory lining. This method includes providing a clearance between the tuyere assembly and a refractory lining portion below the tuyere assembly and monitoring this clearance by means of a displacement sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an ammonia content of an ammonia-based atmosphere. The systems and methods provide a measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods provide an ammonia-based atmosphere conveyed into the measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods provide water conveyed into the measurement vessel (70), with the water causing dissociation of the ammonia from the atmosphere within the measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods measure a flow rate of water into the measurement vessel (70) during the dissociation. The systems and methods determine the ammonia content in the atmosphere based, at least in part, upon the flow rate of water.

Abstract: A method of controlling macroscopic strain of a porous structure includes contacting a porous structure with a modifying agent which chemically adsorbs to a surface of the porous structure and modifies an existing surface stress of the porous structure. A device in one embodiment includes a porous metal structure, which when contacted with a modifying agent which chemically adsorbs to a surface of the porous metal structure, exhibits a volumetric change due to modification of an existing surface stress of the porous metal structure; and a mechanism for detecting the volumetric change. Additional methods and systems are also presented.

Abstract: Passive sensors, and more particularly passive infrared sensors are used to ascertain the signature of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the infrared region of the light emitted by the exhaust gas and dust particles of industrial furnaces. The targeted sectors for which the sensors are to be used include steel-making, cement industries and thermal power generation, and others where combustion efficiency and the production of GHGs would be of a concern.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a temperature and molten metal height in a gas-fired metal melting furnace whereby metal height and temperature may be more reliably maintained. The control system includes a controller that receives information on metal temperature and metal height. The controller controls metal melting burners so as to operate at different settings between a high output and a low output based upon sensed metal height.

Abstract: Equipment for metallic part hardening treatment comprising a support (10) and at least one working unit (50). The support is adapted to rotate the metallic part (20) during a hardening treatment. The working unit (50) comprises an inductor winding (51) to be positioned in front of a portion of said metallic part for heating said surface. According to the invention, the support (10) comprises one fixed spindle (11) to secure a first end (21) of the metallic part and one mobile tail stock (12) to contact a second end (22) of the metallic part. Therefore, only one end of the metallic part is secured whereas the other end is free to expand. The mechanical stresses applied to the metallic part during the hardening treatment are reduced and the distortion of the metallic part is prevented. Such equipment is well suited to crankshaft hardening treatment.

Abstract: To provide a quality warranty system in the induction heat treatment facilities, in which the reliability of quality warranty can be increased because of the clarity of the processing conditions in each of the products which have been heat treated, and in which selection and identification of defective products once they occur can be facilitated. In the induction heat treatment facilities (1), there are provided a monitoring apparatus (3) for monitoring processing conditions in the induction heat treatment facilities (1) during the heat treatment of each of the products (W), and a recording apparatus (4) for recording information on the processing conditions, monitored by the monitoring apparatus (3), against an identification code of each of the products (W).

Abstract: In a martensitic stainless steel tube according to the present invention, the content is determined by each of elements C, Si, Mn and Cr, and the bubble content ratio is further prescribed in accordance with the scale thickness on the outer surface of the steel tube, so that defects can be detected with high precision in the non-destructive inspection, such as ultrasonic test or the like. This allows the non-destructive inspection to be carried out with high efficiency. Moreover, there is another advantage that the weather resistance can be enhanced. The steel tube according to the present invention and the manufacturing method thereof can be suitably used in all of the technical fields in which a martensitic stainless steel tube having equal chemical composition is treated.

Abstract: An assembly wherein inexpensive and essentially maintenance-free disposable sensors may be used in conjunction with a metal making lance. The assembly contemplates the use of disposable sensors that are accommodated by a sensor feed tube disposed interiorly or exteriorly of a conventional metal making lance. The sensors may be selected to detect one or more characteristics of the metal being treated and/or operating conditions of a metal treatment vessel.

Abstract: Heat-treating of rolling elements for bearings; according to the treatment, the rolling elements are guided in a row from an entrance to an exit and are heated during the movement towards the exit by induction heating.

Abstract: A method and a device for charging feedstock, in particular coke or ore, and optionally separated fines of feedstock, for processing in a metallurgical vessel, to produce metal or primary metal products. The device includes a charging mechanism, which has a conveying device and at least one feeding device for supplying to the charging mechanism. The conveying device has an outlet opening which can be guided along an inwardly directed spiral during the charging into the vessel, to set a predefined coverage in the vessel. Charged materials can thereby be positioned precisely in the vessel, and it is possible for fines to be uniformly distributed in the circumferential region.

Abstract: The temperature (T) of a metal (1) can be influenced directly or indirectly by at least one actuator (2) which is actuated in accordance with a control variable (S). The control variable (S) and starting values (TA, p1A, p2A) for a temperature of the metal (1) and phase proportions in which the metal (1) is at least in a first phase or a second phase, respectively, are predetermined for a material model (5). A heat conduction equation and a transformation equation are solved in real time within the material model (5), taking account of these variables (TA, p1A, p2A) , and in this way expected values (TE, p1E, p2E) are determined for these variables. As part of the transformation equation, the Gibbs' free energies (G1, G2) of the phases of the metal (1) are determined, a transformation rate of the metal (1) from the first phase to the second phase is determined therefrom, and the expected proportions (p1E, p2E) are determined from the latter.