Author(s)

J.M. Bergheau, J. Devaux, P. Duranton, R. Fortunier, B. Larreur & J.B. Leblond

Abstract

Numerical simulation of superficial diffusion and precipitation of chemical elements, with application to some nitriding process J.M. ~er~heau', J. Devaux2, P. Duranton2, R. ~ortunier~, B. Lmeur4 & J.B. Leblond5 ENISE, Saint-Etienne, France 2ESI France, Lyon, France ENSMSE, Saint-Etienne, France 4Eurocopter, OIDM, Marignane, France LMM, Universite' Paris VI, Paris, France Abstract A new option for numerical simulation of simultaneous diffusion and precipitation of chemical elements in metallic matrices has been developed within the SYSWELD finite element programme. The simulation can include arbitrary numbers of diffusing elements and precipitate phases. Diffusion is described using Fick's law. Precipitation is assumed to obey kinetic equations of the Johnson-Mehl type; thermodynamic equilibrium between the phases, as determined by the law of mass action, plays a fundamental role in these equations. The finite element implementation treats diffusion in the standard way, precipitation being

Keywords