Quenching technology: a selected overview of the current state-of-the-art

many papers have been published on a wide range of aspects of the fundamental physics and chemistry of quenching such as: additive technology, surface rewetting, hardness distribution prediction, role of heat transfer and residual stresses, etc.1,2. however, relatively little information has been published on the application of these insightful research results for the solution of long standing quench tank production problems. this paper will address three areas where technical advancements have been, or may be, made. these include discussion of: 1) the application fundamental fluid dynamics to characterize quenching uniformity due to agitation; 2) the use of "waves" to provide uniform agitation during the quenching process; and 3) the use of pressure as a variable to mediate heat transfer throughout the quenching process.