Neutron Diffraction Measurements of Residual Stress in Sintered Automotive Components Obtained by Net-shape Forming

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Albertini, G.^; | Annibali, G.^; | Fiori, F.^; | Marcantoni, M.^; | Quadrini, E. | Turquier, F.^;

Affiliations: Dipartimento di Scienze dei Materiali e della Terra, University of Ancona, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy | Dipartimento di Meccanica, University of Ancona, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60129 Ancona, Italy | Istituto di Scienze Fisiche, University of Ancona, Via Ranieri 65, I-60131 Ancona, Italy | INFM—Istituto Nazionale per la Fisica della Materia, Research Unit of Ancona, Italy

Note: [] Corresponding author: Tel: +39 071 220 4735. Fax: +39 071 220 4605. E-mail: gialbe@popcsi.unisin.it

Abstract: The residual stress state after the sintering process is investigated in a net-shaped gear using neutron diffraction. The tooth and throat regions are considered in particular. As a general trend, compressive stresses are found at the surface and tensile stresses are found in the bulk. The occurrence of compressive stresses at the surface is of great importance to counteract the external forces occurring during the service conditions. The obtained results are seen at the light of a simple model, considering the spring effect induced by the high pressure and the quench effect induced by the high temperature.

Keywords: Residual stress, Neutron diffraction, Powder metallurgy, Compressive stresses

DOI: 10.1080/10238160108200134

Journal: Journal of Neutron Research, vol. 9, no. 2-4, pp. 129-136, 2001