Numerical Simulation on Spray Quenching of 2024 Aluminum Alloy Plate in Salt Solution

2024 aluminum alloy plate is the main blank of aircraft flap cabin and other structures. Its performance and quality are mainly determined by the heat treatment process of the plate. Spray quenching is the key process to decrease the warping or bulge of plate.Based on ABAQUS finite element software, the effects of four salt solution media (CaCl₂, Na₂SO₄, NaCl and MgSO₄) on spray quenching of plates were studied. The numerical results show that the main reason for the formation of warping or bulge is the in-plane compression instability of the plate during quenching. The maximum residual stress occurs in the transition area between spray quenching and spray affected area. The residual stress value and maximum bulge or warping value after quenching do not change monotonically with the increase of salt solution concentration.Based on analysis of the numerical calculation results and economic. MgSO₄ solution with concentration of 0.2 mol/L is preferentially recommended as the spray quenching medium.