UNCORRECTED PROOFS A finite element analysis of the thermo-mechanical stresses in slag pots shows the critical regions when the pot is filled with liquid slag. The maximum radial wall deformation occurs right below the filling level, while the upper ring is slightly dis- placed toward the inside of the pot. These findings agree with field obser- vations and serve for the geometry optimization of slag pots. Transient Thermal-Stress Analysis of Steel Slag Pots: Impact of the Solidifying-Slag Layer on Heat Transfer and Wear Q1 I. A. Neacsu*, B. Scheichl, H. Rojacz, G. Vorlaufer, M. Varga, H. Schmid, and J. Heiss steel research int. 86 (2015) No. 9999 DOI: 10.1002/srin.201500203 www.steel-research.de FULL PAPER