Development and implementation of cae system “hearts” for heat treatment simulation based on metallo-thermo-mechanics

Abstract

Based on the framework of "metallo-thermo-mechanics" proposed by the authors, a CAE system, "HEARTS" (HEAt tReaTment Simulation system), has been developed to simulate metallic structure, temperature, and stress]strain in the heat treatment processes associated with phase transformation, such as quenching and tempering by means of the finite element method. In the first part of the paper, the governing theory is introduced; fundamental equations of metallurgical change due to phase transformation, heat conduction, and stress analysis are presented; and the effect of coupling among these three fields is discussed. The development strategy, methodology, structure, and directions for use of the HEARTS system are stated in the following sections. Simulated results on temperature, structural change, and stress/strain, as well as carbon content during the heat treatment process, are illustrated for engineering components in two-and three-dimensional shape and a Japanese sword by use of the system combined with a pre-/post-processor. The validity of the system is evaluated by comparison with the experimental data.

Influence of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Microstructural Evolution and Transformation Kinetics Simulation by Finite Element Method of Low‐Carbon High‐Alloy Martensitic‐Bearing Steel

“…With the development of computer numerical simulation technology, some numerical models [16,17] have been gradually established in the quenching process, which provides theoretical guidance for heat treatment. Although Li et al [18] established the numerical model of microstructure evolution by using the finite element method (FEM) based on the metal-thermal-mechanical coupling theory.…”

Study of Differences Between Real and Effective Heat Transfer Coefficients to Provide Correct Data on Temperature Field Calculations and Computer Simulations During Hardening of Steel

“…Computer simulation of quenching processes [28][29][30][31] require solving inverse problem [32][33][34][35][36][37][38] on the basis of testing probes with thermocouples instrumented on the surface of probe or close to surface.…”

Numerical Simulation with Thorough Experimental Validation to Predict the Build-up of Residual Stresses during Quenching of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels

“…Two software packages were used, namely, Abaqus ® and AC3 ® , to model the following important coupled phenomena: (a) the heat transfer within the bar and between the bar and the quenching water; (b) the microstructure evolution from austenite; (c) the thermal strain originated from temperature variations; (d) the elastic strain; (e) the strain caused by phase transformations; and (f) the plastic strain. Although Inoue and Arimoto, 20) Inoue et al, 21,22) and Denis 23) emphasized the importance of transformation plasticity to the formation of residual stresses during quenching of steels, this effect was not included in the present model as a first approximation towards the development of a more elaborate model. The AC3 ® software was used to calculate the evolution of the fraction of all microconstituents in any point inside the cylinder as a function of time for the cooling conditions observed in the experiments described in section 3.…”