Modelling of Nanoindentation of TiAlN and TiN Thin Film Coatings for Automotive Bearing

Abstract

Bearings are critical components for the transmission of motion in machines. Automotive components, especially bearings, will wear out over a certain period of time because they are constantly subjected to high levels of stress and friction. Studies have proven that coatings can extend the lifespan of bearings. Hence, it is necessary to conduct studies on coatings for bearings, particularly the mechanical and wear properties of the coating material. This detailed study focused on the mechanical properties of single-coatings of TiN and TiAIN using the finite element method (FEM). The mechanical properties that can be obtained from nano-indentation experiments are confined to just the Young’s modulus and hardness. Therefore, nanoindentation simulations were conducted together with the finite element method to obtain more comprehensive mechanical properties such as the yield strength and Poisson’s ratio. In addition, various coating materials could be examined by means of these nanoindentation simulations, as well the effects of those parameters that could not be controlled experimentally, such as the geometry of the indenter and the bonding between the coating and the substrate. The simulations were carried out using the ANSYS Mechanical APDL software. The mechanical properties such as the Young’s modulus, yield strength, Poisson’s ratio and tangent modulus were 370 GPa, 19 GPa, 0.21 and 10 GPa, respectively for the TiAlN coating and 460 GPa, 14 GPa, 0.25 and 8 GPa, respectively for the TiN coating. The difference between the mechanical properties obtained from the simulations and experiments was less than 5 %.