Optimization of furnace residence time and loading pattern of large size ingots inside a gas-fired forging furnaces – Year two

Large size high strength steels parts used in transport and energy applications undergo several heating and cooling cycles during their manufacturing process (casting, forging, quench, tempering). Generally, before forging the parts are heated in gas-fired forging furnaces and the impact of non-uniform heating on the subsequent steps is of critical importance. A non-uniform temperature distribution may result in property variation from one end to another of the part, changes in microstructure, or even cracking. On the other hand, optimization of time residency of large products inside the forging furnace can minimize energy consumption and avoid undesirable microstructural changes, like abnormal grain growth. However, due to the large size of the components, empirical approaches based on trail and error are costly and not always reliable. The proposed project, through a combination of 3D CFD simulations and experimental measurements, analyzing the turbulent combustion of gas-fired burners and conjugate heat transfer inside the industrial scale forging furnace, will develop heat treatment procedures with optimized time residency and uniform temperature distribution.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mohammad Jahazi

Student:

Partner:

Finkl Steel Sorel

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Natural Gas; Aerospace

University:

École de technologie supérieure

Program: