Simulation and validation of spray quenching applied to heavy forgings

The effect of water pressure, water flow rate and cycling spray during spray quenching of a heavy steel forged part were modelled by using numerical simulation, experimental tests and metallographic analyses. Changes in water mass flow produce small variations on cooling rates, while the reduction of water pressure and especially the use of cycling spray allow to induce a relevant slowdown of cooling rate in small sections, decreasing the thermal gradients in complex shaped heavy forgings. The agreement between calculated and experimental results permitted to validate the simulation.