The finite element analysis of the surface transformation hardening process using the power control strategy in order to reduce edge effect problems

A power control strategy was adopted in the finite element analysis of the surface transformation hardening of S355 steel in order to adjust temperature at the surface of the workpiece in the vicinity of edges. This strategy which is based on controlling the input power of the heat source as a function of the maximum temperature at the surface, allows for gaining a more uniform microstructure as a result of a uniform thermal history at the surface. The results indicate that the applied strategy is highly effective. Besides, the results obtained from the simulations suggest a combination of a large beam size and a high traveling speed in the absence of the proposed approach. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.