FEA model for predicting the response of powder metallurgy steel components to heat treatment

A model and the necessary database for predicting the response of powder metallurgy steels to heat treatment are presented and discussed. The model is based on a modification of the commercially available software DANTE coupled to the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. The model requires an extensive database that includes temperature- and porosity-dependent phase transformation kinetics, and temperature- and porosity-dependent phase-specific mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of the steel. This data is developed for FL-4065 PM alloy and is used in the model to predict dimensional change, distortion, residual stresses, and type and quantity of metallurgical phases present in the microstructure of a typical PM component after the component is subjected to a specified heat treatment schedule. The model predictions are found to be in very good agreement with measured values.