Analysis on Phase Transformation (ATP) Using Computational Thermal Principles (CTP)

Computer analysis based on computational thermal principles to predict the transformation kinetics in steels at varying temperatures is of great practical importance in different areas of heat treatment. As a result, using the theory of transient state heat conduction with convective boundary conditions, an efficient program named "ATP" (Analysis on Phase Transformation) has been developed to determine the temperature distribution under different quenching conditions for different geometries such as plate, cylinder and sphere. In addition to these the microstructures and the corresponding hardness developed during quenching are predicted using Time Temperature Transformation (TTT) diagram incorporated in the analysis. To approve our work, dilation curves, Heisler charts and time-temperature history curve have been generated. This paper deals with basic objective of the program (ATP) determination of temperature, microstructure and hardness distribution and also includes an online prediction of austenite-pearlite and austenite-martensite transformation in steels along with the corresponding retained fractions. The quenching of a cylinder in gases, liquids and liquid metals is analyzed to show the non-liner effect of cylinder diameter on the temperature and microstructures. Further in the program we have considered a typical 1080 steel cylinders quenched in water for predicting and comparing the program results with experimental values and can be extended even to other grades of steels. The numerical results of program are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data obtained. Finally the quenching process analysis described in the study appears to be a promising tool for the design of heat-treatment process parameters for steels.