Influence of Initial Yield Strength Weighting on Residual Stresses in Quenched Cylinders Using Finite Element Analysis

Using the quenching process to create a specific residual stress distribution in steel parts is a key method for improving their strength. Although finite element simulation can overcome the time-consuming and labor-intensive limitations of experimental measurements, accurately predicting the residual stress distribution in quenched steel parts remains a challenge for researchers and manufacturers. The initial yield strength weighting scheme used in finite element simulations has a significant impact on the results. To investigate the influence of initial yield strength weighting on the residual stress distribution in quenched steel cylinders, finite element models with different yield strength weightings have been developed. The results show that the large hardness difference between austenite and martensite can cause significant deviations between the residual stress predicted using linear weighting and the experimental results. The linear weighting scheme commonly used by researchers overestimates the yield strength of the austenite phase in the mixed-phase material during cooling, leading to an overestimation of residual stress. Employing nonlinear yield strength weightings, such as Leblond weighting, can significantly improve the computational accuracy of finite element models, yielding more reliable and consistent predictions. This improved accuracy in predicting residual stress using finite element simulation offers a powerful tool for optimizing the quenching process.