Finite element analysis of thermal stresses in functionally graded cemented carbides

Abstract

In this study, finite element method and X-ray diffraction measurement were used to determine the thermal stress distribution of functionally graded WC–Co composites. The calculated results show that high stress concentration occurs in the cobalt gradient zone, tensile stress pile-up occurs in the cobalt rich zone and compressive stress pile-up occurs in the surface zone. As the sintering time is increased, compressive residual stress in the surface zone has a tendency of decreasing. The maximum value of compressive stress in the surface zone is 250 MPa. The results are in good agreement with X-ray diffraction measurement results. For the purpose of this work, the material design method is achieved by changing the calculated parameters.