Investigation of hardness depth and mechanical properties of sae 5140 ball stud after induction hardening

When we look at the development process of passenger vehicles, it is seen that continuous research and development is carried out for a safer, more comfortable design. As a result of the studies carried out, mechanical behaviors are studied under dynamic or static working conditions when the designs change and, if necessary, the material changes as well. Experimental tests conducted according to optimal operating conditions allow us to produce safer mechanical parts. Especially in vehicles, the design and testing of the production of suspension parts, which are in an indispensable condition in terms of driving safety and comfort, are of vital importance. It is of particular importance for the suspension parts to work in harmony with each other and to dampen the vibration movements coming from the ground during driving for the comfort of both the driver and passengers. Ball joints are one of the main components of the rotor part in suspension parts. It is important for the safety of the Ball joints and ensures the connection between the wheels and the suspension and the orientation of the vehicle, as well as a comfortable driving experience. Due to the fact that the ball stud rotates in different planes and angles, they are subjected to a high degree of stress and wear. Induction hardening is applied to the outer surface of the ball stud at a certain depth in order to prevent wear and damage. This method has a great advantage for the hardness of locally desired surfaces. In this study, a new coil design was made for the ball stud produced from SAE5140 material. The hardness depth, hardness value, bending test results and microstructure of the ball stud held for 2,3,4,5 sec heating time and 3,4,5 sec cooling process were examined, and the induction depth and bending force increased as the heating time increased, the equivalent stress value in the neck region increased as the heating time increased according to the analysis result performed by the finite element method. The highest stiffness value, bending force and equivalent stress value of the neck region according to the finite element method were observed in the 5 sec heating and 5 sec cooling process.