R. Purushothaman, Y. Rong, R. Purushothaman, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA; J. Kang, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

Summary: Computerized Heat Treating Planning Systems, CHT-bf and CHT-cf, have been developed for modeling and simulation of thermal processes of loaded parts in batch and continuous furnaces. It is aiming at the optimization of heat treating process by the evaluation thermal schedule and load pattern of parts as the part and furnace are given. The software integrates convection, radiation and conduction heat transfer analysis, the model of furnaces, and materials database into a mini-package which can be used in shop floor and daily production. The systems have been validated by almost twenty case studies and now are used by member companies of Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) at WPI. In this presentation, several successful applications of the software are introduced. The results show about 20 percent energy and time saving through the optimization by using this software.