Using simulation for heat treatment process design: matching quenching process with steel grade and product geometry

摘要

The performance of steel parts is heavily dependent on the heat treatment process applied. The alloy content of the steel establishes the steel hardenability. The severity of the quenching establishes the local temperature history throughout the body of the part. In combination, the steel hardenability and the quenching process determine the final microstructure, mechanical properties, residual stress state and the performance of the part. The residual stress state, especially the surface stress state, is a significant factor in affecting fatigue life of the part. The steel hardenability and quenching practice can be adjusted to enhance residual surface compression and improve the fatigue life of a component. Computer simulation of the heat treatment process that includes calculation of the metallurgical phase transformations during the heating and cooling processes offers a method for scientifically designing the heat treatment process and selecting the steel alloy to optimise the performance of a particular product. In this paper, the DANTE heat treatment simulation software will be used to demonstrate this design methodology for a spur gear.