Z. Li, A. M. Freborg, B. L. Ferguson, Deformation Control Technology, Inc., Cleveland, OH
Computer simulation of heat treat processes is a proven but not often used tool for design of heat treat processes. The major reasons for this are: i) the complexities associated with building a finite element model and defining accurate boundary conditions; ii) the cost of the necessary software, hardware and, perhaps most importantly, the analyst to use the software; iii) the availability of material database and process data for heat treat modeling. This paper discusses the use of a finite element based software tool that is focused on heat treat simulation to be performed by heat treaters. In this form, the metallurgist, production engineer or product designer can effectively assess the response of a wide range of steels having a limited but useful range of shapes to the commonly applied carburization and quench hardening processes. The tool is PC-based, allows easy definition of part geometries and selection of materials and process conditions, and provides an efficient and accurate method for determination of process conditions to meet specific goals of hardness, microstructure and dimensions. In this paper, parts such as shafts, rings and flanges are selected to demonstrate how to use the design tool for selection of steel grade and process conditions to meet requirements.
Summary: Computer simulation of heat treat processes is a proven but not often used tool for design of heat treat processes. The major reasons for this are: i) the complexities associated with building a finite element model and defining accurate boundary conditions; ii) the cost of the necessary software, hardware and, perhaps most importantly, the analyst to use the software; iii) the availability of material database and process data for heat treat modeling. This paper discusses the use of a finite element based software tool that is focused on heat treat simulation to be performed by heat treaters. In this form, the metallurgist, production engineer or product designer can effectively assess the response of a wide range of steels having a limited but useful range of shapes to the commonly applied carburization and quench hardening processes. The tool is PC-based, allows easy definition of part geometries and selection of materials and process conditions, and provides an efficient and accurate method for determination of process conditions to meet specific goals of hardness, microstructure and dimensions. In this paper, parts such as shafts, rings and flanges are selected to demonstrate how to use the design tool for selection of steel grade and process conditions to meet requirements.
