Prediction of Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Composition of Quenched and Tempered Steel

The mathematical model and computer simulation for the prediction of both, fracture and deformation resistance in quenched and tempered steel specimen was developed. Load capacity depends on fracture resistance and on deformation resistance. Fracture toughness represents fracture resistance, whereas yield strength and modulus of elasticity characterize deformation resistance. Both, fracture toughness and yield strength will be calculated based on hardness. Also, mathematical model for prediction of microstructure composition of quenched and tempered steel will be developed.

In calculation of both, mechanical properties and microstructure composition the history of cooling will be taken in account. Hardness of quenched and tempered steel was expressed as function of maximal hardness of actual steel and representatives of chemical diffusivity. After that, distribution of other relevant mechanical properties will be obtained. The mathematical model will be developed for carbon and low alloyed steel. The established procedure for estimation of load capacity was applied in computer simulation of quenched and tempered steel workpiece.

Keywords: steel, quenching, tempering, computer simulation, microstructure, mechanical properties, load capacity