F. Pöhl, S. Schwarz, P. Junker, K. Hackl, W. Theisen

Indentation and scratch testing – experiment and simulation

Introduction

Indentation and scratch testing – experiment and simulation. Explore indentation & scratch testing on wear-resistant materials. Determine hardness, Young's modulus, and analyze deformation using SEM/AFM and FEM simulations for multiphase structures.

Abstract

Most modern wear resistant materials feature a multiphase microstructure and the macroscopicwear behavior is controlled by the local mechanical properties of the single phases. Indentationtesting and in particular nanoindentation allows for the local mechanical characterization ofmaterials and their phases. This paper addresses the determination of important mechanicalparameters such as hardness, Young’s modulus and indentation energy parameters of singlephases in multiphase wear resistant materials. Important influencing factors such as matrixinfluence on the indentation results of an embedded hard phase, the indentation-size-effect (ISE),the effect of crystallographic orientation, and the fracturing behavior of hard phases are addressed.In addition, the results of scratch tests on the cold work tool steel X210Cr12 and a WC-Co hardmetal are presented in order to investigate aspects of the mechanical behavior under abrasion.The deformation behavior under indentation and scratch loading was analyzed by scanningelectron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Besides the experimentssupplementary numerical simulations of indentation and scratching testing with the use of theFinite-Element-Method (FEM) are presented.

Review

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the local mechanical characterization of multiphase wear-resistant materials through a combined experimental and numerical approach involving indentation and scratch testing. The authors adeptly focus on the determination of crucial mechanical parameters such as hardness, Young's modulus, and indentation energy for individual phases, which are critical for understanding the macroscopic wear behavior of these advanced materials. The integrated methodology, leveraging both sophisticated experimental techniques and computational simulations, promises to deliver valuable insights into the fundamental deformation mechanisms under localized loading. A significant strength of the work lies in its detailed exploration of several critical influencing factors that often complicate micro- and nanoindentation analyses. These include the challenging issues of matrix influence on embedded phases, the indentation-size-effect (ISE), the impact of crystallographic orientation, and the fracturing behavior of hard phases. By addressing these complexities, the study enhances the reliability and interpretability of local mechanical property measurements. Furthermore, the application of scratch tests to materials like cold work tool steel X210Cr12 and WC-Co hardmetal, complemented by deformation analysis using SEM and AFM, provides a holistic view of the material response to abrasive conditions, making the findings directly relevant to tribological applications. Overall, this paper appears to be a robust and highly pertinent contribution to the field of materials science and engineering. The synergistic use of experimental techniques (indentation, scratch tests, SEM, AFM) with Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations is particularly commendable, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the underlying physical phenomena and mechanical responses. Such an integrated approach is essential for accurate material characterization and for guiding the development of new, more durable wear-resistant materials. The study is well-structured and tackles important practical challenges, making it of significant interest to researchers and engineers working on material design and tribology.

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