Strength enhancement of automotive parts by high frequency induction heating

In order to enhance the properties of automotive parts, thermal transfer and deformation analyses were performed for the hat-shaped specimen under heat treatment process using FEM (Finite Element Method) program, LS-DYNA. Temperature distribution and deformed shape for the elapsed time were obtained from the simulation. Numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental results from high frequency induction heating process. Martensitic transformation in the heating zone was found through microscopic observation which shows higher hardness. Optimization of heat treatment process could be achieved from thermal analysis which can lead to cost and time saving.