Modeling the effects of individual layer thickness and orientation on the tribocorrosion behavior of Al/Cu nanostructured metallic multilayers

Nanostructured metallic multilayers (NMMs) are emerging materials with excellent mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties, making them ideal candidates to be used under extremely conditions. The high wear and corrosion resistance lead to enhanced tribocorrosion resistance of NMMs compared to many traditional metals and alloys. In this work, a multiphysics finite element model was developed to study the material deformation and degradation during tribocorrosion from wear, corrosion, as well as their synergy. Specifically, this model accounts for elastic-plastic mechanical deformation during wear and galvanic corrosion between exposed inner layers after wear. The effects of individual layer thickness (from 10 to 100 nm) and layer orientation (horizontally and vertically aligned) on the tribocorrosion behavior of Al/Cu NMMs was studied. Both factors were found to affect the subsurface stress and plastic strain distribution and localized surface corrosion kinetics, hence affecting the overall tribocorrosion rate. This model and the obtained understanding could shed light on future design and optimization strategies of NMMs against tribocorrosion.

Automated summary

A multiphysics finite element model was developed to study the material deformation and degradation during tribocorrosion from wear, corrosion, as well as their synergy, providing insights into the design and optimization strategies of NMMs against tribocorrosion. The effects of individual layer thickness and layer orientation on the tribocorrosion behavior of Al/Cu NMMs were studied, showing their impact on subsurface stress, plastic strain distribution, and localized surface corrosion kinetics.