ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 14 April 2009
Page Count: 7

Numerical Simulation of the Mechanical Properties of Cr12 Steel during Gas Quenching

Li, Ziliang
Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan

Cheng, Heming
Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan

Li, Jianyun
Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan

Hou, Lijun
Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan

(Received 15 April 2008; accepted 18 March 2009)

Abstract

Heat treatment is one method to improve mechanical properties of metal, but each heat treatment method has its advantages and disadvantages, therefore, different requirements regarding size, shape, and properties with respect to different heat treatment processes should be considered. Gas quenching is a heat treatment process used in various industries such as the aerospace, automotive, machine tool, and other advanced manufacturing processes. The use of gas quenching can significantly improve the mechanical and physical properties of a material. Simulation of gas quenching processes is becoming increasingly important, although not common, for the investigation of mechanical properties and their effects on quality. This paper is based on the theory of phase transformation, computational mechanics, thermal nonelasticity, and the character of the gas quenching process. A nonlinear heat conduction equation considering phase transformation is developed and a model of the relationship between the phase transformation products and the properties of Cr12 steel are established and solved using the finite element method (FEM). By comparing calculated results with those of experiments, satisfying agreement is found. It is anticipated that this model will be valuable for further theoretical development and practical applications.

Keywords:
numerical simulation, mechanical properties, gas quenching, FEM

Paper ID: JAI101804
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101804
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.