Effects of High Temperature Tempering on Microstructure and Hardness Distribution on 18Cr2Ni4WA Alloy Steel Heavy-duty Gears: Numerical Simulation and Experiments

Abstract In the present work, simulations of gas carburizing heat treatment heavy-duty gears on a coal-cutting machine fabricated by 18Cr2Ni4WA alloy steel were carried out using finite element method software. The physical property database was constructed in effects high temperature tempering process microstructure and hardness distributions simulated studied. distribution results obtained simulation are good agreement with experimental results, which verifies accuracy simulation. evolution volume fractions austenite, martensite, bainite after simulated, while change retained austenite varying number show that increase high-temperature tempering, content gear decreases, it could reduce surface carbon concentration. variation, calculated Maynier equation through secondary development, is shown to be governed joint influence concentration distribution. from layer core 62HRC-32HRC twice meets needs practical application gears.