Research of advanced heat treatment as a basis for the evaluation of mechanical properties of isothermally heat treatment of cast iron (ADI – Austempered Ductile Iron). A review of recent available literature data dealing with heat treatment of ADI with special reference to the influence of chemical composition and heat treatment on the properties of ADI castings. Influence of shot-peening, heat treatment and chemical composition in relation to resistance to tribological wear mechanisms. Influence analysis of individual alloying elements, and determination of the most influential element on the mechanical properties of ADI. Development and testing of a pilot series of samples for the purpose of determining the possibility of selecting the parameters of isothermal heat treatment of ADI castings.

Parameter analysis and selection of optimal shot-peening parameters. Development of new laboratory equipment – furnaces for isothermal improvement. Selection of salt baths as working media for the implementation of optimal heat treatment. Research of the “time window” in isothermal heat treatment. Production of the main series of samples for the implementation of the planned tests. Experiment planning and implementation of major tests. Analysis of the obtained results. Development of mathematical models for predicting the mechanical properties of ADI castings based on: specific chemical composition, heat treatment parameters and shot-peening parameters. Combining the obtained mathematical models into a single model for predicting the properties of ADI castings. Presentation of research results.