Simulation of the thermomechanical and metallurgical behavior of steels by using ABAQUS software

Simulation is a very helpful and valuable work tool in the field of heat treatment of steels. It allows behavior laws and algorithms to be learned and tested. Simulation provides a low cost, secure and fast analysis tool. For a fine assimilation of the microstructure and distortion evolution concepts which characterize the surface hardening process, a simulation of the thermo-metallurgical and mechanical coupling is elaborated by using ABAQUS software linked to phase transformation and elastic–plastic modules which we developed taking into account of interactions between these fields. The application of this method makes it possible to highlight the metallurgical and mechanical behavior laws and procedures used to calculate phase fractions, austenite grain size, hardness, microstructure effect on physical properties, transformation latent heat, deformation progress, and stress genesis during a surface hardening; which cannot be feasible by using standard software based simulation. Predicted thermo-metallurgical results and residual stress have been compared with measured ones; the coincidence between simulated and experimental values confirms the validity of the chosen simulation tool.

► Computer simulation is utilized for the analysis of heat treatment process.
► The ABAQUS software is extended to simulate the quenching process.
► Computed and experimental results were investigated.
► Simulated results are in good agreement with the available experimental data.