Three-dimensional finite element modelling of the scratch test for a TiN coated titanium alloy substrate

A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulation of a rigid Rockwell C indenter scratching a TiN/Ti-6Al-4V coating/substrate system is presented. Coulomb friction between the indenter and the surface of the coating/substrate system was considered. The material properties of the coating and substrate were assumed to be elastic–plastic following a bilinear law with isotropic strain hardening. The von Mises yield criteria was used to determine the onset of plastic deformations. The scratch depth profiles at different moving distances were studied. The distributions of the stress field at the contact surface, in the coating, and at the interface of the coating/substrate system were investigated. The finite element results can be used to explain the failure modes of coated materials at the scratch test.