Methodology for Predicting the Results of Carburizing of Alloy Steels

Based on the results of experimental studies of the carburizing process for alloyed low‑carbon structural steels, a mathematical model was developed to calculate carbon concentration and hardness profiles in the surface layer of parts. This model was used to evaluate the results of gas carburizing of steels 14KhN3MA and 19KhGNM at different carbon potentials of the furnace atmosphere. The calculated hardness distributions in the surface layer of the investigated steels agreed satisfactorily with the experimental data. Using the developed mathematical model, parameters of stepwise carburizing regimes were determined that made it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the saturation stage.