Modelling Distorins in induction heat treatment processes

Abstract : The purpose of this work is to present a computational model aimed at predicting distortions in surface induction heat treatment process followed by a quenching stage for complex 3-D parts. The work is based on a coupled experimental/numerical approach – with specific attention paid to accurate understanding of steel microstructural evolution during fast heating, as well as modelling of multiphysics couplings involved. We present here the main features of the numerical model. The model has been validated experimentally by comparisons with results obtained for the case of the induction heat treatment of a dumbbell sample. Numerical results are in good agreement with experimental ones for the hardness. We then show how this approach can be extended to the induction heat treatment of complex geometrical parts, such as crankshafts.