Finite element simulation of Vickers micro-indentation test of micro-nano-composite ceramic tool materials based on microstructure model

• A microstructure model was presented based on Voronoi Tessellation and the random algorithms.
• Vickers micro-indentation test of ceramic materials was simulated.
• Effects of microstructure parameters on the hardness of ceramic materials were discussed.

In order to investigate the influence of microstructure on hardness, a finite element method is applied to simulate the Vickers micro-indentation process in micro-nano-composite ceramic tool materials on the basis of a microstructure level model. The microstructure model is constructed based on Voronoi Tessellation hybrid random algorithms. The secondary phase volume fraction, the nano-scale particle volume fraction, the grain centroid distribution, and the grain diameter distribution of the materials are simulated in this model. The hardness of ceramic materials is calculated by the numerical simulation results. The effects of average grain diameter, secondary phase volume fraction and nano-scale particle on the hardness of ceramic materials are investigated. The results of numerical simulation agree with the results of experiment excellently. The quantitative relationship between hardness and microstructure can be used to design the new tool material with improved properties.