Abstract
A modelling methodology based on experimental heat capacity measurements has been used to predict the effects of latent heat formation on cooling rates in a thick sectioned nuclear forging during quenching. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure specific heat capacity as a function of temperature (100 – 1000°C) and cooling rate (5 – 70°C/min) that also incorporates the heat energy release during transformations, which is termed the effective specific heat. A user defined routine then incorporated this data into a finite element model of a full scale heat treatment trial forging that had section thicknesses of 200 and 330mm approximately. Excellent agreement with thermocouple data, taken from key test locations, was obtained, particularly at 0.25 and 0.5 thickness. However, some deviations from thermocouple data were seen that has been attributed to the model assumptions, particularly the method used to represent boundary conditions.