Abstract
Several multi-physics problems are coupled in induction heat treatment processes. This makes them often difficult to control and understand. For instance, anticipations or minimizing distortions generated by such a process usually may require long and costly try-outs. A specific computational tool has been developed to help designing and optimizing this class of heat treatment operations. The tool is based on a multi-physics model which couples electromagnetic equations, heat transfer, mechanical response of the material, and metallurgical phase changes. This paper gives a short presentation of this tool. Emphasis is placed on analyzing which phenomena have to be taken into account. Simulations of the induction heating of a crankshaft are also presented.