Residual Stresses in Modelling Fatigue Lifetime of Gas Nitrided Iron-Based Alloys

Abstract

The objective of this work is to propose a model abled to optimize the mechanical properties from gaseous nitriding of steels (hardness, residual stresses) for a given loading and fatigue lifetime. Multiaxial fatigue criteria are used and the present study focuses on the influence of residual stresses. Starting from a surface loading profile, the theoretical residual stress in-depth profile can be calculated aiming infinite fatigue lifetime. The model allows then optimization of the nitriding parameters.