Project: Advanced mathematical and numerical analysis of induction hardening of steel

2018-01-01 – 2021-12-31

Abstract

Induction heating is a non-contact heating process. A large alternating current is passing through a work coil. This generates a very intense and rapidly changing magnetic field in the space within the work coil. The workpiece to be heated moves within this intense alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field induces a current flow in the conductive workpiece.  These physical events are described by a strongly coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations derived from Maxwell’s equations and the heat transfer equation.
The project proposal deals with the advanced mathematical and numerical analysis of the induction heating process. The added value consists of a nonlinear relationship between the magnetic induction and the magnetic field, a strong nonlinear coupling of electromagnetic fields with thermal effects via the material coefficients, and the consideration of a moving workpiece. These aspects make this proposal challenging and unique.