Finite element analysis of the phase transformation effect in residual stresses generated by quenching in notched steel cylinders

Abstract

The determination of residual stresses is an important task in the analysis of the quenching process. Nevertheless, because of the complexity of the phenomenon, many simplifications are usually adopted in the prediction of these stresses for engineering purposes. One of these simplifications is the effect of phase transformation. Many studies analyse residual stresses generated by the quenching process considering a thermoelastoplastic approach, neglecting phase transformation. The present study analyses the effect of austenite-martensite phase transformation during quenching in the determination of residual stresses, comparing two different models: complete (thermoelastoplastic model with austenite-martensite phase transformation) and without phase transformation (thermoelastoplastic model without phase transformation). The finite element method is employed for spatial discretization together with a constitutive model that represents the thermomechanical behaviour of the quenching process. Progressive induction hardening of steel cylinders with semicircular notches is of concern. Numerical simulations show situations where great discrepancies are introduced in the predicted residual stresses if phase transformation is neglected.