Computer Simulation of the Relationship between Selected Properties of PVD Coatings

Abstract

The possibility to apply the Finite Element Method to calculate internal stresses which occur in Ti+TiN, Ti+Ti(CxN1-x) and Ti+TiC coatings obtained in the magnetron PVD process on the sintered high-speed steel of the PM HS6-5-3-8 type. For the purpose of computer simulation of internal stresses in coatings with the use of MES, the correct model of analyzed specimens was worked out and then it was experimentally verified by comparison of calculation results with the results of computer simulation. Accurate analysis of correlations indicated especially strong dependence between internal stresses and microhardness and between microhardness and erosion resistance what created conditions for establishing the dependence between internal stresses obtained in the result of computer simulation and erosion resistance as basic functional quality of coating. It has essential practical meaning because it allows to estimate predictable erosion resistance of coating exclusively on the base of the results of computer simulation for used parameters in the process of coating manufacturing.

Keywords

• Numerical techniques
• Stresses
• Microhardness
• Computer simulation
• Finite Element Method