Purpose: The work presents the application of the Finite Elements Method in a computer
simulation whose aim is to determine the properties of PVD and CVD coatings on various
substrates and to optimise parameters of a laser surface treatment process of surface layers
of tool steels.
Design/methodology/approach: The article discusses the application of the finite
elements method for simulating the determination of stresses and microhardness of Ti+TiN,
Ti+Ti(CN) and Ti+TiC coatings obtained in a magnetron PVD process on a substrate of
sinter high-speed steel, of Ti/Ti(C,N)/CrN, Ti/Ti(C, N)/(Ti, Al)N, Ti/(Ti, Si)N/(Ti, Si)N, Cr/
CrN/CrN, Cr/CrN/TiN and Ti/DLC/DLC coatings obtained in a PVD and CVD process on
magnesium alloys, of graded and monolayer coatings (Ti, Al)N, Ti(C,N) produced with the
PVD arc technique on a substrate of sintered carbides, cermets and oxide tool ceramics
and tool steel remelted and alloyed with a high-performance diode laser (HPDL). Modeling
of stresses was performed with the help of finite element method in ANSYS and MARC
environment, and the experimental values of stresses were determined based on the sin2Ψ.
Findings: The models presented satisfy the assumed criteria, and they can be applied
for the determination of properties of surface layers and optimisation of PVD and CVD
processes and laser alloying and remelting. The results of a computer simulation correlate
with experimental results. The models developed allow to largely eliminate costly, timeconsuming
and specialist experiments which have to be done during investigations for the
benefit of computer simulations.
Research limitations/implications: To be able to assess the possibility of application of
surface layers, a computer simulation of other properties of coatings has to be additionally
carried out, and a strength analysis has to be made of other coatings coated onto various
substrate materials.
Originality/value: value Computer simulation and modelling is an interdisciplinary field
necessary for the development of science and technology, enabling to perform direct
visualisation of properties, which cannot be identified in experimental observations. The
purpose of computer simulation and modelling is to improve the ability to predict results
and to optimise solutions.
Modelling of Powered Roof Support Cooperation with the Floor of Low Bearing Capacity in the aspect of Shaping the Section Design
