Simulation of Quenching Process Using Finite Element Method 2004-01-3234

Quenching is a heat treatment usually employed in industrial processes. The production of automotive components on steering system such as drag-links, tie-rods, tie-rod arms, king-pins, pitman arm and others is one example. This contribution is concerned with modeling and simulation of quenching employing the finite element method. A constitutive model is proposed considering phase transformations associated with two phases: austenite and martensite. Finite element method is employed together with other numerical procedures in order to deal with nonlinearities in the formulation. Progressive induction hardening of steel cylinders is concerned as an application of the general procedure. A comparison between numerical and experimental measures is performed showing good agreements between them. The effect of notches in cylindrical bodies is also discussed, exploiting the potentialities of the procedure. The proposed model shown to be a powerfull tool to be used in simulation of quenching process.