Theoretical selection of induction hardening parameters based on material hardness and hardened layer depth

Abstract

The article addresses the theoretical substantiation of induction surface hardening parameters aimed at improving the abrasive wear resistance of soil-engaging working parts of agricultural machinery. The influence of the hardness ratio between the working material and abrasive particles on the wear process, the structural and phase transformations occurring in steels during rapid heating and cooling, as well as the main technological parameters of induction hardening are analyzed. Based on the theoretical analysis, the required hardness level of the working-part material and the optimal depth of the hardened layer under abrasive wear conditions are substantiated. Criteria are formulated for selecting the induction current frequency required to achieve the specified hardened layer depth and for determining the hardening temperature depending on the chemical composition of the steel and the heating rate. As a result, a theoretical approach has been developed that enables the interrelated selection of material hardness, hardened layer depth, induction current frequency, and hardening temperature.