Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Tools for the Management of Bulk Residual Stress

ABSTRACT: The quenching of metallic aircraft parts produces residual stresses and distortion that increase subsequent manufacturing costs and reduced component performance. Manufacturers seek to control these residual stresses through design of the quench process. In this proposal, AltaSim Technologies will develop tools to accurately predict the heat transfer coefficients associated with the quenching process, and ultimately, the residual stress in the quenched part. This work will solve the conjugate heat transfer problem using multiphysics tools that model both the fluid and the solid. BENEFIT: The development of this tool will provide engineers with a more accurate method of predicting residual stress and distortion in quenched parts. This tool will improve the design of parts and the quenching process to reduce machining of parts and wastage of material by bringing forging designs closer to net shape.