An Efficient Numerical Algorithm for the Prediction of Thermal and Microstructure Fields during Quenching of Steel Rods

Abstract This paper presents a new, more efficient numerical algorithm that has been developed to predict thermal and microstructure fields during quenching of steel rods. The present algorithm solves the full nonlinear heat conduction equation using a central finite-difference scheme coupled with a fourth-order Runge-Kutta nonlinear solver. Numerical results, obtained using the present algorithm, have been validated using experimental data and numerical results available in the literature. In addition to its accurate predictions, the present algorithm does not require iteration; hence, it is computationally more efficient than previous numerical algorithms.