The effect of hardness distribution by carburizing on the elastic–plastic contact performance

Abstract This paper aims to investigate the effect of the hardness distribution by carburizing on the contact behaviors. A developed elastic–plastic contact model based on a semi-analytical method is used. The effect of hardness on elastic–plastic contact behaviors is considered by means of the linear hardness-yielding strength relationship. Different hardness distributions are considered to simulate the possible results obtained in heat treatment. The results show that the hardness distribution and carburizing time/case depth have different influence on the plastic strain under different loads and roughness, while its influence on the maximum contact pressure and contact area ratio is very limited.