EUROPEAN STEEL TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION DAYS 2017 - ESTAD 2017

Numerical simulation methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are increasingly used in the steel industry to provide quick and economical tools for problem-solving and design. Game engines such as Unity 3D have become important tools for developing interactive applications such as serious games and training applications. However, little work has been done to integrate CFD and FEA into modern game engines. This paper describes a methodology for integrating CFD and FEA simulation results, with 3D models of equipment and interactive steelmaking processes using the Unity 3D game engine. Three applications are also discussed which include: CFD and FEA simulations used for energy optimization and training in the use of an overhead crane used to transport large ladles of liquid hot metal between processes during the making of steel; FEA simulations for an interactive application to troubleshoot a vertical edger failure, used to reduce the thickness of rolled steel; and interactive training using CFD simulations inside of a blast furnace, used to heat and reduce iron ore to pig iron (liquid hot metal). This paper also demonstrates the end products which are virtual reality software utilizing technologies including: Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, and immersive projection systems.