Simulation of scanning induction hardening for spline shaft

Various induction hardening applications include motion of the hardened piece – rotation, linear motion or even multi-step process which combines motion along different degrees of freedom. Finding the right motion speed, power and frequency for optimal hardening depth can be hard task to accomplish experimentally. Therefore, numerical simulation is essential tool for development of induction hardening process, which includes motion.

Simulating such process is possible only with time-dependent numerical mesh and continuous updating of all simulation parameters. In this paper, we show how such simulation can be conducted using capabilities of coupling electromagnetic and thermal analysis with mesh motion in simulation platform CENOS. Developed three-dimensional model of simulation of induction scanning process of spline shaft is used to estimate temperature distribution and hardening profile. This study also shows how different parameters influence the hardening profile and the total power consumption for one hardening cycle.