Kinetics modeling for austenite transformation in AISI 1045 steel during rapid heating under high frequency electromagnetic field

Abstract

To investigate the effect of alternating magnetic field on austenite transformation process in the case of rapid heating, the austenite kinetics model of AISI 1045 steel was built for spot continual induction hardening (SCIH) process. The results shows that the effect of alternating magnetic field on austenite transformation fraction reaches the maximum (about 3%) when heating rate is the lowest. Relatively low magnetic flux density still has a certain effect on the austenite transformation process during the SCIH process. Concave surface structure can reduce the influence scope of alternating magnetic field on surface in all cases and the minimum influence scope appears when the feed path of inductor is longitudinal. Convex surface structure can minimize the influence scope of alternating magnetic field in depth when the feed path of inductor is longitudinal. The austenite distribution of transitional region on surface for horizontal movement is more uniform than that for longitudinal movement. The austenite distribution of transitional region in depth for longitudinal movement is more uniform than that for horizontal movement. The simulated results are consistent with the experimental results and the austenite transformation kinetics model developed for SCIH process is valid.