Numerical Simulation of Scratch Tests for the Verification of Material Models for Particle-Reinforced Coatings

Abstract

Abstract. Material models are the basis of most numerical simulations in mechanical engineering. In the field of elastic deformation, the material models are quite simple but plasticity and material destruction are very difficult to calculate. For developing and testing material models, an easily and quickly accomplishable test is necessary to verify the results. The scratch test is a good choice for the modeling of surfaces. For that test, a diamond tip (indenter) moves onto the material with either constant or progressive normal force. First, the material will be deformed elastically; with increasing force, plastic deformation occurs, leading to crack and chip formation, depending on the ductility of the material. The result can be directly compared to the simulation of this test.The article describes problems and solutions during the simulation of the scratch test for the steel C45 (normalized) with and without a nickel coating. The comparison with experimental results shows that this approach is successful. In the future, a closed material model for this type of stress will be developed.

3D finite element simulation of scratch testing to quantify experimental failure mechanisms of a thin film

“…Particularly, Müller et al simulated experimental data such as the scratch depth, obtaining maximum deviations of about 12.6%. However, in their research F n and F t were unknown [58]. In the same way, Seriacopi et al performed an FE simulation of a scratch test, and the comparison with the experimental data showed deviations of the F t /F n ratio and scratch depths up to 39.2% and 9.5%, respectively [59].…”