Open Access

ARTICLE

Multiscale Simulation of Microstructure Evolution during Preparation and Service Processes of Physical Vapor Deposited c-TiAlN Coatings

Yehao Long, Jing Zhong^*, Tongdi Zhang, Li Chen, Lijun Zhang^*

State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

* Corresponding Authors: Jing Zhong. Email: ; Lijun Zhang. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multiscale Computational Methods for Advanced Materials and Structures)

Computers, Materials & Continua 2024, 79(3), 3435-3453. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2024.051629

Received 11 March 2024; Accepted 09 May 2024; Issue published 20 June 2024

Abstract

Physical Vapor Deposited (PVD) TiAlN coatings are extensively utilized as protective layers for cutting tools, renowned for their excellent comprehensive performance. To optimize quality control of TiAlN coatings for cutting tools, a multi-scale simulation approach is proposed that encompasses the microstructure evolution of coatings considering the entire preparation and service lifecycle of PVD TiAlN coatings. This scheme employs phase-field simulation to capture the essential microstructure of the PVD-prepared TiAlN coatings. Moreover, cutting simulation is used to determine the service temperature experienced during cutting processes at varying rates. Cahn-Hilliard modeling is finally utilized to consume the microstructure and service condition data to acquaint the microstructure evolution of TiAlN coatings throughout the cutting processes. This methodology effectively establishes a correlation between service temperature and its impact on the microstructure evolution of TiAlN coatings. It is expected that the present multi-scale numerical simulation approach will provide innovative strategies for assisting property design and lifespan prediction of TiAlN coatings.

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Keywords

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