Modelling Material Properties Leading to the Prediction of Distortion during Heat Treatment of Steels

摘要

Distortion induced by heat treatment is a major industrial problem because it critically affects the dimensional accuracy of precision components. Prediction of distortion is difficult because it requires detailed knowledge of the material properties which are normally lacking and difficult to evaluate, especially at high temperatures. The present work describes the development of a computer model for prediction of the material properties required for distortion prediction in steels. The success of the model is based on accurate description of all the major phase transformations taking place, as well as an accurate calculation of the properties of different phases formed during heat treatment. The model calculates a wide range of physical, thermophysical and mechanical properties, all as a function of time/temperature/cooling rate. Jominy hardenability prediction was also performed and shows excellent agreement with experimental data. All the present calculations can be carried out via a user friendly graphical interface.