Mathematical modeling of localized melting around graphite nodules during laser surface hardening of austempered ductile iron

An attempt has been made to mathematically predict the optimum conditions of laser surface hardening (LSH) of austempered ductile iron (ADI) that can ensure a predominantly martensitic microstructure and preclude partial/complete dissolution of graphite nodules in the laser hardened zone during laser irradiation. The exercise involves prediction of the thermal profile (using the Ashby and Easterling model), and consequently, the carbon diffusion profile around the graphite nodules at different depths from the surface for the given conditions of LSH. Microstructural investigations have been carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy to study the morphology, shape and width of the partially/completely melted graphite nodules as a function of the LSH parameters. Finally, the predicted maximum width of the melted zone around the graphite nodules is compared with the relevant experimental data to validate the proposed model.