ACID – Advanced Cooling for Improved Durability

In the ACID research project, the University of Gävle, together with industry partners, is developing energy-efficient and controlled cooling methods for steel components. By combining experiments, simulations, and AI-based tools, the project aims to reduce deformation during hardening and improve the durability and performance of steel.

ACID is a research project led by the University of Gävle that develops sustainable and energy-efficient cooling methods for steel components used in industrial applications. The project meets the industry's need for more precise and controllable cooling processes that improve product quality, reduce deformation during manufacturing, and strengthen mechanical properties.

Steel products such as harvester bars used in forestry undergo hardening processes that can cause deformation and shortened service life. ACID is investigating advanced cooling using water jets in combination with experimental studies, numerical simulations, and predictive AI tools to achieve better control over temperature distribution and material phase transformations. The research is based on interdisciplinary expertise in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, materials science, and machine learning.

The project is being carried out in collaboration between the University of Gävle, Iggesund Forest AB, and Ferritico AB, combining academic research with industrial application. Industry-relevant experiments are performed on real harvester bars provided by Iggesund Forest, while AI-based simulations developed with Ferritico's tools are used to predict phase transformations and optimize hardening processes.

ACID's objectives include:

• Developing controlled cooling strategies to minimize distortions
• Improving mechanical properties such as hardness and wear resistance
• Increasing energy efficiency in heat treatment processes
• Delivering results that benefit both industry partners and the wider research community

The results will be disseminated through scientific publications, conference presentations, and direct knowledge transfer to industry, strengthening research and innovation in sustainable manufacturing at the University of Gävle.

Purpose

The project aims to increase knowledge about the relationship between cooling strategies, microstructure, and mechanical properties in steel components. The project will contribute to the development of more resource-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, as well as generate knowledge that can also be applied to other steel products and industrial applications.