WIAS-MeFreSim

Simulation of multi-frequency induction hardening

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Developed by:

• Dr. Thomas Petzold
• Prof. Dr. Dietmar Hömberg

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Our Software

WIAS-MeFreSim allows for the 3D-simulation of induction hardening for workpieces made of steel using single- and multifrequency currents. With the help of simulations, an efficient determination of optimal process parameters for contour hardening of gears is possible, since time and cost intensive experiments can be reduced. In addition to the determination of the temperature and the hardening profile, the determination of residual stresses after the quenching process is possible. Shown is the induction heat treatment for a gear.

Background

WIAS-MeFreSim is used for the simulation of induction heat treatment for workpieces made of steel. It is the aim of the heat treatment to produce workpieces with hard, wear resistant surface and soft, ductile core. The boundary layer of the workpiece is heated up by induced eddy currents and rapidly cooled down by the subsequent quenching process. The resulting solid-solid phase transitions lead to a hardening of the surface of the workpiece. The figure shows the comparison between experiment and simulation for a gear, hardening profile in cross section and lateral cuts of tip and root of the gear.

Features

• Determination of electromagnetic fields, temperature and the phase fraction profile in the workpiece and of mechanical stresses and deformations
• Determination of the physical fields by using adaptive finite element methods
• 3D-visualisation of results
• Extensible database for material parameters and transformation kinetics for various types of steel
• Experimentally verified simulation results

Our Services

• Individual consulting and realisation of simulations for the induction heat treatment
• Concerted further development including acquisition of public funding