INTERFERENCE FIT QUENCH PLUG ASSEMBLY AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF

摘要

A method is provided including heating a workpiece beyond a transformation temperature. The workpiece has at least one internal surface that has a nominal diameter, and a transformation diameter that corresponds to the start of a transformation from a first state to a second state. The method includes inserting a quench plug assembly into the the workpiece. The quench plug assembly includes at least one contact surface. The at least one contact surface has a diameter that is larger than the nominal diameter and at least as large as the transformation diameter. The method includes quenching the workpiece with the quench plug assembly disposed in the bore of the workpiece. The at least one internal surface is contacted and restrained by the at least one contact surface while the workpiece transforms from the first state to the second state. Also, the method includes removing the quench plug assembly from the workpiece.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
heating a workpiece beyond a transformation temperature, the workpiece having a bore therethrough and at least one internal surface, the at least one internal surface having a nominal diameter and a transformation diameter, the transformation diameter corresponding to a start of a transformation from a first state to a second state; inserting a quench plug assembly into the bore of the workpiece, the quench plug assembly including at least one contact surface configured to contact and restrain the at least one internal surface of the workpiece during cooling of the workpiece, the at least one contact surface having a diameter at room temperature that is larger than the nominal diameter and at least as large as the transformation diameter, wherein the at least one contact surface provides an interference fit with the at least one internal surface at room temperature; quenching the workpiece with the quench plug assembly disposed in the bore of the workpiece, wherein the at least one internal surface is contacted and restrained by the at least one contact surface while the workpiece transforms from the first state to the second state; and removing the quench plug assembly from the workpiece.