Numerical simulation of scratch tests for the verification of material models for particle-reinforced coatings

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.