Modelling of processes of thermochemical treatment of metals: traditions of Russian scientific school

Abstract

The paper is devoted to 100th anniversary of the outstanding Russian scientist professor Yuriy Mikhailovich Lakhtin – the founder of the world-famous scientific school of surface strengthening of metals and alloys. Lakhtin's scientific school is recognised for its contribution into research of processes of thermochemical treatment of metals and especially of nitriding. Today at the Department of Metal Science and Heat Treatment of MADI his followers continue the traditions of Lakhtin's scientific school. The development of technologies of surface engineering is based on complex modelling of physical processes realised by thermochemical treatment of metals. Thermodynamic models describe the interaction between metals and components of saturating atmosphere and predict phase composition of diffusion layer. Diffusion models of kinetics of saturation of metals allow us to calculate the rate of growth of diffusion layer and regulation of its depth and structure. Structural models determine quantitative dependence between parameters of structure (grain size, dispersed particles, etc.) and mechanical properties. These models allow us to estimate the level of strengthening by control of structural specifics of strengthened layer. On the basis of this complex of models, new efficient technologies of surface strengthening are developed.