Numerical Evaluation of Strength in the Interface during Indentation Spherical Testing in Thin Films

Abstract

The need for more components that are more resistant to wear and corrosion has promoted a growing interest in surface engineering. The search for improved tribological properties in mate rials contributes to the development of processes that extend the useful life of components and their applications in increasingly severe environments. In this respect, thin ceramic coatings have been used to enhance the tribological properties of components that operate under these condi tions. However, new experimental assays are needed to assess the behaviour of these films and their surface as substrate. These experimental analyses require the use of sophisticated equip ment and specialized personnel. On the other hand, with advances in computational mechanics, the application of numerical analysis to solve numerous technological problems has been increa singly frequent, owing to its low operational costs. This study aims to simulate an indentation as say with spherical penetrator in systems composed of thin ceramic film deposited on metallic substrate using a Finite Element commercial code. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the field behaviour of stresses in the contact region of the indenter with the sample, on the outline of the impression made by the penetrator and, primarily, on the film-substrate interface.