Lovro Štic

Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation of Steel Quenching

The purpose of this research is to upgrade the mathematical modeling and computer simulation of steel quenching. Based on theoretical analyses of physical processes that exist in quenching systems, the mathematical model for steel quenching is established and computer software is developed. The mathematical model of steel quenching is focused on physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, phase transformations, mechanical properties, and generation of stresses and distortions. The numerical procedure of computer simulation of steel quenching is divided into three parts: numerical calculation of transient temperature field, numerical calculation of phase change, and numerical calculation of the mechanical behaviors of steel during quenching. The numerical procedure is based on the finite volume method. Physical properties that were included in the model, such as heat conductivity coefficient, heat capacity, and surface heat transfer coefficient, were obtained by the inversion method based on the Jominy test results. By the completed algorithm, 3-D situation problems, such as the quenching of complex cylinders, cones, spheres, etc., can be simulated. The established model of steel quenching can be successfully applied in the practical usage of quenching.

Mathematical Modelling of Steel Quenching

Mathematical modelling of phase transformations and hardness distribution in non-monotonic quenched steel specimen was developed based on the results of simple experimental test i.e. Jominy test. The hardness in specimen points was estimated by the conversion of cooling time results to hardness by using both, the relation between cooling time and distance from the quenched end of Jominy specimen, and by using the Jominy hardenability curve. The cooling curve at the specimen point was predicted by numerical modelling of cooling by using the finite volume method. Developed numerical model for computer simulation of quenching was also experimentally verified. Limitations of proposed numerical model were found out as well. It has been shown that proposed numerical model can be successfully applied for purposes of simulation of continuous and interrupted quenching of carbon and low alloyed steel specimens.