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

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.