> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dante-solutions-inc.gitbook.io/dante-6.3-help-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dante-solutions-inc.gitbook.io/dante-6.3-help-documentation/introduction/build-heat-treat-models-for-steel.md).

# Build Heat Treat Models for Steel

Heat treat simulation using DANTE starts with a solid model of the part. DANTE users can use Abaqus CAE to build simple geometries directly for this task or import CAD models from third-party CAD software. STEP (.stp) files are recommended for importing CAD geometries into Abaqus CAE, but other file types will also work. From the solid model, an Abaqus finite element model must be constructed. Generally, the following steps are used to create the finite element model, either directly in CAE with minor modifications to the input file or by using the DANTE Plug-In:

* To generate models with the DANTE Plug-in see the [Build Steel Models using Plug-In](/dante-6.3-help-documentation/introduction/build-heat-treat-models-for-steel/build-steel-models-using-plug-in.md) section
* To generate models with the Input file see the [Build Steel Models using Input File](/dante-6.3-help-documentation/introduction/build-heat-treat-models-for-steel/build-steel-models-using-input-file.md) section

For a steel hardening process that involves carburization or nitriding, three finite element models are required:

1\. A [Carburization Model](/dante-6.3-help-documentation/introduction/build-heat-treat-models-for-steel/build-steel-models-using-plug-in/carburization-model.md) (DANTE currently cannot model the two species together).

2\. A transient [Thermal Model](/dante-6.3-help-documentation/introduction/build-heat-treat-models-for-steel/build-steel-models-using-plug-in/thermal-model.md).

3\. A static [Stress Model](/dante-6.3-help-documentation/introduction/build-heat-treat-models-for-steel/build-steel-models-using-plug-in/stress-model.md) /displacement model.

The DANTE Carburization Model, Thermal Model and Stress Model are sequentially coupled as shown below; Nitriding would follow the same sequential order.

<figure><img src="/files/v14i7x03sLmhWlQAeJgL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Carburization Model is executed to develop the carbon profile in the part. Once the carburization simulation is complete, the carbon profile (node number and [final carbon weight fraction (includes carbon in primary carbide form)) is mapped](/dante-6.3-help-documentation/introduction/build-heat-treat-models-for-steel/build-steel-models-using-plug-in/thermal-model/thermal-pre-processing/generate-carbon-profile-file.md) to the Thermal and Stress Models. The Thermal Model uses the carbon profile and the heat treat process steps to determine the thermal history of the component (element number, node numbers, nodal coordinates, and temperature at each saved time increment). The phase evolution and final hardness are also calculated in the Thermal Model. The Stress Model then uses the carbon profile and the thermal history to calculate the distortion evolution, stress evolution, phase evolution, and final hardness.

DANTE can also use the coupled thermal-stress analysis capability in Abaqus/Standard. This may improve computation time, but it may also slow the analysis down. This has to do with the amount of information that must be shared between the two models. At times, cuts in the time step may be required; whereas, if the analysis was carried out sequentially, the analysis could continue without the time cut. It is up to the user which method is preferred. Since deformations are generally small during quenching operations, a sequentially coupled method is acceptable and used most often by DANTE Solution engineers. For large deformation processes, such as hot stamping, a coupled thermal-stress analysis is required for accurate distortion predictions.