Slip system level strengthening in nano-indentation of single crystalline copper: Numerical study via a non-local CPFEM model

Abstract

A three-dimensional non-local crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) integrating the evolution of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) and statistically stored dislocations (SSDs) was developed to simulate the nano-indentation of single crystal copper. The simulation accurately reproduced published experimental results when considering force-depth curves, indentation size effect (ISE), anisotropic plastic deformation and sink-in phenomenon. The accumulated slip, i.e., shear strain in individual slip systems, was quantitively investigated. It is anticipated that the developed non-local CPFEM model can support future sub-micro and nanoscale manufacturing research as it enables the rapid exploration of slip system level mechanical response of a diverse range of crystalline alloys.