J. A. Powell, IQ Technologies, Inc., Akron, OH; J. F. Wallace, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Summary: The paper describes the results of study conducted for evaluating the effect of the intensive quenching process on mechanical properties of plain carbon steels and alloy steels. The test specimens were made of the following materials: 1038, 1045 and 1060 carbon steels, 5160, 4130 and 4140 of alloy steel, and high alloy hot work H-13 tool steel. Two sets of test samples of the same size and composition were evaluated. One set was intensively quenched in highly agitated water by the intensive quenching process, and another one was conventionally quenched in oil. The mechanical properties were measured to determine their tensile properties and impact behavior. This paper discusses the difference characteristic of these steels in the as-tested condition. The results of this characterization demonstrate that the intensive water quenching process significantly improves the mechanical properties of the various steels.