Inductive hardening and tempering of graded porous powder metallurgical steels

Motivation

Due to the increasing importance of components manufactured by powder metallurgy (PM), the special features of inductive surface heat treatment (hardening and tempering) of these steels are to be investigated. The main focus of the investigation is the influence of the existing porosity and pore shape on the magnetic, electrical and thermal properties as well as on the transformation behavior of the microstructure. Results of the material characterization will be used to create a suitable FEM simulation model for process description. In addition, suitable process parameters for the inductive heat treatment of PM gears under avoidance of cracking are to be determined.

Goals

Characterization of the porosity influence on the material behavior during inductive heat treatment
Simulation and prediction of microstructure and stress states after inductive heat treatment

Investigations

Investigation of thermophysical and thermomechanical material properties, experimental characterization of the microstructure/li>
Determination of the porosity-dependent transformation plasticity during phase transformation and residual stresses of the surface hardened structure
Creation and validation of the process simulation