Development and Implementation of CAE System “HEARTS” for Heat Treatment Simulation Based on Metallo-Thermo-Mechanics

Abstract

Based on “metallo-thermo-mechanics” proposed by the authors, a CAE system “HEARTS (Heat Treatment Simulation System)” has been developed to simulate the heat treatment processes associated with phase transformation, such as quenching and tempering by utilizing the finite element method. In the first part of the paper, the summary of the governing theory is introduced; the fundamental equations of metallurgical change due to phase transformation, heat conduction and inelastic stress/strain as well as the diffusion of carbon in the course of carburization, and the effect of coupling among these three fields are discussed. The developing strategy, methodology, structure of the program and the direction for use of thus developed system “HEARTS” are stated in the following sections. Some examples of simulated results on carbon content, temperature, structural change and stress/strain during the heat treatment process of engineering components in two- and three-dimensional shape are illustrated by use of the system combined with an available pre/post processor, and the validity of the system is evaluated by comparing with the experimental data. © 1995, The Society of Materials Science, Japan. All rights reserved.