Simulation of Heating Cycles for Large Steel Ingots

Abstract

A simulation model is presented, where temperature, phases and internal stresses can be predicted as a function of time during the heating of large steel ingots for forging. Heating cycle measurements and computer simulations are compared for an A105 steel grade 34-Ton tapered ingot. A study of the heat transfer inside a natural gas-fired furnace was carried out to make an estimation of internal stresses due to thermal expansion and phase transformation from α ferrite and pearlite to γ austenite during heating. The model was validated with a second test of an AISI 4330 steel grade 35.4-Ton ingot. The simulation model described can calculate internal stresses in any ingot in order to optimize its heating cycle without compromising ingot internal quality, reducing energy consumption and increasing productivity of the furnace.