Coupled numerical multiphysics simulation methods in induction surface hardening

Abstract

Numerical simulation is a valuable tool to help investigate complex multiphysics problems of engineering and science. This also applies to inductive surface hardening with its coupled electromagnetic and temperature fields as well as the microstructure changes of the hardened material. In this field, numerical simulation is a well-established approach for effective process design. This is particularly true since an analytical approach usually fails because of the complexity of the problems. Also, experiments oftentimes are not leading to a solution in an acceptable period of time because of the big number of process parameters. Furthermore, numerical simulation can help to investigate effects that could not have been observed otherwise. An example is the Joule heat distribution within a heated work piece during inductive heating. However, the fields of application as well as the methods of numerical simulation have to keep pace with technological progress. Two examples of new applications and methods for numerical simulation in induction hardening are presented in this paper: A complex 3D model of a large bearing and a new approach for the numerical simulation of the martensite microstructure.