Thermal analysis of ferritic martensitic 410L stainless steel: an experimental vs numerical simulation approach

Abstract

Temperature homogeneity in stainless steel billets during industrial heating is critical for ensuring product quality such as microstructural consistencies, surface finish, and proper austenitization for subsequent hot-working processes. During billet reheating, difference in temperature at the core and the surface of the billet is important factor causing heterogeneity. This study presents a combined experimental and numerical investigation of the thermal behavior of 410L stainless steel billet muffle furnace heating. Experiments are performed using thermocouple-instrumented specimens heated under controlled environment to obtain transient temperature histories. Subsequently, a 3D numerical model is formulated by employing an effective heat transfer coefficient that incorporates heat transfer models at the boundary surface to simulate the complex heat exchange within the furnace chamber. The numerical predictions is validated against experimental data, showing good agreement. This study examines the gaps in establishing temperature homogeneity in industrial practice. The validated model offers a computationally efficient tool to predict soaking time with improved productivity.