Comparison of two finite element simulation codes used to model the carburizing of steel

A finite element subroutine code, named CTDT (Carburization and Thermal Distortion with Transformation kinetics), has been developed. CTDT simulates a carburizing process of heat-treatable steel components. In the present study, CTDT is compared with the commercial heat treatment code DANTE. The same carburizing process condition with a simple cylindrical sample is used to compare the two different codes. The differences in results, such as carbon profile at surface, temperature change, microstructure distribution, hardness, residual stress, and quenching distortion after carburizing treatment are primarily caused by the different transformation kinetics models and material properties used in each code. However, the simulation results show reasonable agreement with experimental results. The flexibility for updating or changing the transformation kinetics model and material properties is the advantage of the CTDT code.

► Finite element subroutine code is developed for a carburizing process of steels.
► A comparative study is carried out with the commercial heat treatment code DANTE.
► The simulation results show reasonable agreement with experimental results.