Computer simulation of quenched and tempered steel properties

The algorithm of estimation of mechanical properties based on steel hardness has been established. Numerical modelling of hardness distribution in as-quenched steel specimen was performed by involving the results of simple experimental test, i.e., Jominy-test. Hardness of quenched and tempered steel has been expressed as function of maximal hardness of actual steel and hardness of actual steel with 50 % of martensite in microstructure, according to the time and temperature of tempering. After that distribution of other relevant mechanical properties was predicted based on predicted as-quenched and tempered hardness of steel. Experimental investigation has been performed on low alloy steel. The established procedure for estimation of quenched and tempered properties of steel has been applied in computer simulation of mechanical properties of quenched and tempered steel workpiece of complex form. Algorithm of estimation of hardness of quenched and tempered steel was improved. It can be concluded that working stress of quenched and tempered shaft can be successfully predicted by proposed method. The proposed computer simulation method could be applied in failure prevention. The research was focused only on carbon and low alloyed heat treatable steels. The established algorithms can be used for prediction of mechanical properties in heat treating practice. Estimation of as-quenched hardness distribution is based on time, relevant for structure transformation, i.e., time of cooling from 800 to 500 C (t8/5). The hardness in the quenched and tempered state is estimated from the as-quenched hardness. The prediction of yield strength and toughness of steel is based on steel hardness. Hardness distribution is predicted by involving the results of simple experimental test, i.e., Jominy-test in numerical modelling of steel quenching.