Effects of probe tilt on nanoscratch results: An investigation by finite element analysis

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of probe tilt on the results of nanoscratch by finite element analysis (FEA). In nanoscratch experiments, it is hard to assure absolute verticality between the scratch probe and the specimen. Simulation results show that different tilt cases of the probe have different extents of influences on the residual scratch profile, the projected contact area and the frictional coefficient of nanoscratch results. To get reliable results from the nanoscratch experiments, the verticality between the scratch probe and the specimen should be accurately guaranteed. On the other hand, the tilt phenomenon of the probe can also be used to obtain some wanted profiles.

► Effects of probe tilt on nanoscratch results were investigated.
► When the probe scratches through the specimen, the contact areas vary widely.
► Tilt angle could significantly influence the residual scratch profiles.
► Frictional coefficients vary significantly when the probe tilts.