Abstract

A mathematical simulation of the evolution of nitrogen concentration profiles in iron samples is presented. The nitrogen concentration profiles are produced by a nitrogen microwave post-discharge. This mathematical model takes into account the nitrogen concentration evolution from the very beginning of the process and describes the formation and growth of compact nitride layers. This model also proposes a description of how the solubility limits in each growing phase are attained during the layer formation. An approximate analytical solution of Goodman’s type for the model is sought. This leads to a system of differential algebraic equations (DAE). Then, the DAE is finally numerically solved. The steady state of the process is also studied within the model. In this case, analytical representations of the nitrogen concentration profiles and the diffusion coefficients are found

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
mathematical simulation, nitriding, diffusion

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