Abstract
Comparing refractory products for an optimal material selection, it is often sensible to work with single value representations of physical properties as given on most technical product datasheets. In reality, uncertainties of measurement techniques, changing laboratory operators, natural product variation and product geometry suggest that statistical distributions better than single values represent the behavior of refractory products. While statistical averages and standard deviations of such distributions are the basis for single value representations, the complexity of the process for the derivation of these values, especially the necessity for expert assessment, is often underestimated, This paper discusses challenges and limitations of the single value-based approach for product comparisons and material selection. Based on real life examples, the approach is detailed on the concept of refractory materials flexibility vs. resistance to thermal shock. Comparing several experimental results, a concept is presented of how to represent even complex material properties in a compact form. In practice, this approach allows the derivation of a single qualitative indication for a complex wear phenomenon that can guide engineers in selecting materials for areas subjected to intense thermal cycling.