Abstract
This paper presents a method for calculating quench severity based on hardness profile matching. The new method has the potential to eliminate the need for Jominy end-quench testing as required in the traditional Kern approach. To assess the accuracy of the proposed method, a test bar and Jominy bar were machined from 2-in. bar stock and heat treated in accordance with ASTM A255. The test bar was quenched in a draft-tube system with a water velocity of 6 ft/s. An excel workbook was programmed to calculate the quenched hardness profile based on prior austenite grain size and steel chemistry. The calculations were in good agreement with measured Jominy hardness as were the quench severities determined by the Kern method and the proposed hardness profile matching technique.
