A Fuzzy Logic Approach for Optimization of Hardness in Induction Hardening Process

The study finds the effect of different input parameters that are feed rate, dwell time, current and gap between the induction coil & work-piece on the output parameters that are Hardness at rolled {H(R)}, Normalized {H(N)} and Hardened Tempered {H(T)} conditions of the material (AISI 1040 steel). The degree of membership function of an object in a fuzzy set is defined by membership functions (MF). It has been found that after the formulation of rules, the optimum value of hardness at any points (may be in decimal place) in between the low and high limits of the process parameters selected, can be found out. The predicted results are compared with a reliable set of experimental data for the validation of fuzzy model and mathematical model (developed by response surface methodology). It was found that proposed fuzzy model gives the better results than mathematical results and it was well in agreement with experimental results. By Intelligent, model based design and control of induction hardening process parameters in this study will surely help to enables dramatically decreased product and process development cycle times, improved product quality, decreased product cost and maintains the competitive position of steel in applications requiring high strength –to-weight ratio at an affordable cost.