Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation of Non-monotonic Continous Quenching

Numerical modeling 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. In the model the differences between the cooling curves of investigated steel specimen and cooling curves of Jominy specimen were taken in the account. 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. Microstructure composition was predicted based on predicted as-quenched hardness and characteristic cooling time. The cooling curve at the specimen point was predicted by numerical modeling 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. The established method for estimation of as-quenched hardness of steel has been applied in computer simulation of as-quenched hardness of low alloyed steel workpiece of complex form. It has been shown that proposed numerical model can be successfully applied for purposes of simulation of quenching of carbon and low alloyed steel specimens.