Validation of a systematic approach to modeling spray quenching of aluminum alloy extrusions, composites, and continuous castings
- Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN (United States)
- Naval Air Warfare Center, Indianapolis, IN (United States). Aircraft Div.
Optimal cooling of aluminum alloys following the high-temperature extrusion process suppresses precipitation of intermetallic compounds and results in a part capable of possessing maximum strength and hardness after the subsequent age-hardening process. Rapid quenching suppresses precipitation but can lad to large spatial temperature gradients in complex-shaped parts, causing distortion, cracking, high residual stress, and/or nonuniform mechanical properties. Conversely, slow cooling significantly reduces or eliminates these undesirable conditions but allows considerable precipitation, resulting in low strength, soft spots, and/or low corrosion resistance. This study presents a systematic method of locating and operating multiple spray nozzles for any shaped extrusion such that uniform, rapid cooling and superior mechanical and metallurgical properties are achieved. New correlations, offering increased accuracy and less computational time, were formulated for the high-temperature boiling regimes which have a critical influence on final mechanical properties. The quench factor technique related predicted thermal history to metallurgical transformations occurring within the extrusion to predict hardness distribution. The validity of this unique approach was demonstrated by comparing model predictions to the temperature response (and hardness after artificial aging) of an L-shaped Al2024-T6 extrusion to quenches with multiple, overlapping water sprays. The validation study reported herein concludes by exploring the possibility of applying quenching technology to improving the properties of extruded metal-matrix composites such as SiC{sub p}/Al6061 and cast alloys.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 455211
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Vol. 6, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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