Nitrogen Diffusion and Stresses during Expanded Austenite Formation in Nitriding

Abstract

Low-temperature nitriding of austenitic stainless steels or chromium containing alloys can produce expanded austenite, known as S-phase, with combined improvement in wear and corrosion resistance. In the paper a critical review of various models for nitrogen diffusion during nitriding is presented. A special attention is paid to the expanded austenite growth. A new model based on bi-velocity method and including stresses is presented. Basic equations and boundary conditions are discussed. Composition dependent nitrogen diffusion coefficient is assumed. Numerical solutions are obtained for the growth of the S-phase layer in steel. The results are compared with previous experiment and calculations.