Study of the machine parameters effects on the case depths of 4340 spur gear heated by induction-2D model

This paper presents the sensitivity study applied to spur gear heated by induction-heating process by exploring the effect of machine parameters on the hardness profile. The main process parameters, including the power (kW), the heating time (s), and the generator frequency (kHz) are the basic parameters that affect greatly the hardness and ultimately the mechanical performances. This research is made possible by simulation results obtained by coupling electromagnetic field and heat transfer. In order to complete the analysis, three stages are required; first, a Comsol 2D model was built considering the material properties and the machine parameters. Second, the surface temperatures and the case depths are deeply analyzed with the variation of the machine parameters. The relationship between the imposed current density in the coil and the power provided to the heated part is also determined. Finally, the sensitivity of hardness profile with the machine parameters variation was investigated using various statistical tools.