Development and implementation of CAE system ''HEARTS'' for heat treatment simulation based on metallo-thermo-mechanics

Based on the framework of ''metallo-thermo-mechanics'' proposed by the authors, a CAE system, ''HEARTS'' (HEAt tReaTment Simulation system), has been developed to simulate metallic structure, temperature, and stress/strain in the heat treatment processes associated with phase transformation, such as quenching and tempering by means of the finite element method, In the first part of the paper, the governing theory is introduced; fundamental equations of metallurgical change due to phase transformation, heat conduction, and stress analysis are presented; and the effect of coupling among these three fields is discussed, The development strategy, methodology, structure, and directions for use of the HEARTS system are stated in the following sections, Simulated results on temperature, structural change, and stress/strain, as well as carbon content during the heat treatment process, are illustrated for engineering components in two- and three-dimensional shape and a Japanese sword by use of the system combined with a pre-/post-processor, The validity of the system is evaluated by comparison with the experimental data.