Prediction of the Mechanical Behavior of Smooth Metallic Specimens Hardened by Combined Electromechanical and Ultrasonic Treatment during Soft-Cycle Axial and Bending Loading

A semi-analytical model is proposed to describe the deformation of metallic specimens, which are surface hardened by combined electromechanical and ultrasonic treatment, during soft-cycle axial and bending loading at a given stress ratio. An algorithm is described for reconstructing the stress–strain and fatigue strength curves of a high-strength surface layer. Examples of reconstructing such curves for grade 45 steel are provided; they are based on the results of a limited number of experiments on specimens with and without a continuous hardened surface layer.