Prediction of mechanical properties and microstructure distribution of quenched and tempered steel shaft

An investigation of modelling of the quenching of steel workpiece of complex form has done. An algorithm of computer simulation of transient temperature fields is based on finite volume method. Heat transfer and heat conductivity coefficients values involved in mathematical model have been obtained by the inversion method, i.e. by the calibration. An algorithm for prediction of specimen hardness is based on Jominy test results. Hardness in specimen points was calculated by the conversion of calculated characteristic cooling time for phase transformation t(8/5) to hardness. Mechanical properties are predicted based on calculated hardness. The inversion method of phase portion estimation based on calculated hardness in the quenched steel has been established. The designed method has been used in computer simulation of phase portion and mechanical properties in quenched specimens of steel 41Cr4 (DIN). (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.