Steel suitable for heat/cool cycling
Steel suitable for heat/cool cycling
(OP)
We have an application that requires the building of a mock-up for training firefighters. The mock-up will be steel (plate/sections and approximately 30 feet long and 10 foot high) and will be exposed to a fuel-rich propane fire (probably in the 600ºC or higher range). The duration of the fire will be sufficiently long to ensure the mock-up has achieved near maximum temperature and since it is a firefighter trainer it will be hit with multiple streams of cold water.
Therefore, the structure will experience repeated heating and quenching cycles and, with a planned life of 15 years, the number of cycles will be in the 25000 range.
ASTM A387 chrome-molybdenum alloy steel seems to be suitable for the temperature but what effect would the quenching have on performance (mainly buckling)?
Any guidance on what steel alloy(s) would suit so that a performance and cost comparison could be carried out?
Therefore, the structure will experience repeated heating and quenching cycles and, with a planned life of 15 years, the number of cycles will be in the 25000 range.
ASTM A387 chrome-molybdenum alloy steel seems to be suitable for the temperature but what effect would the quenching have on performance (mainly buckling)?
Any guidance on what steel alloy(s) would suit so that a performance and cost comparison could be carried out?





RE: Steel suitable for heat/cool cycling
RE: Steel suitable for heat/cool cycling
I was hoping for that magic material (boiler plate or something like that)but it may be more realistic to replace a welded skin with a bolted plate skin over a stronger armature.
Do frequent heat/cool cycles affect the weldability of steel?
RE: Steel suitable for heat/cool cycling
We don't attempt much repair beyond the support frame. Welding can be a problem due to the severs oxidation and corrosion around the crack, along with the possibility that there maybe some burnt metal. To do a weld repair you essentially have to get to clean metal.
This area is a high maintenance area of the finest kind.
RE: Steel suitable for heat/cool cycling
You have confirmed my thoughts.
I agree about removing the restraints, I was planning to use oversized holes to allow for panel expansion.
Using the A36 will help keep the costs down as well.
RE: Steel suitable for heat/cool cycling