Computer modelling and simulation approach to developing wear resistant materials
Abstract
VTT researchers have been pioneers in international science with their computer modelling and simulation techniques for the development of coated surfaces with superior wear resistance and low friction properties. They have introduced a novel PPSP (Performance-Properties-Structure-Processing) multi-scale concept that is based on linking wear and friction performance by micro-FEM computer models to mechanical surface properties, surface microstructure and coating processing parameters. The modelling methods have been applied on 1–5 μm thick hard coatings, such as TiN, DLC and MoS2, on steel as well as on about 200 μm thick thermally sprayed WC-CoCr coatings developed through a Process Mapping concept. The novel approach offers completely new possibilities of systematic and focused material development of wear resistant and low friction coated surfaces with the aim to control and prolong the lifetime of machine components and industrial tools.
