Abstract: Finite element method is employed in analysing the transient temperature fields and residual stress fields of an axisymmetric metal specimen during quenching. In the calculation of instant temperature fields, it is assumed that the unsteady source of latent heat exist in the specimen due to phase transformation. The factors such as the surface heat release coefficient, heat conduction coefficient, linear expansion coefficient, density, specific heat, quantity, of phase transformation and so forth are changing with temperature. The elastic-plastic properties of the specimen are modified according to tem perature fields which have been determined, the influence of plastic deformation to the temperature fields is neglected. Agreement of calculation results and expermental data show that the numerical calculation method is reliable. The method suggested in this paper is also adequate for the bodys other than axisymmetric shape.