Simulation of deformation fields underneath Vickers indenter: Effects of power-law plasticity

Abstract

The effects of power-law plasticity (yield strength and strain hardening exponent) on the plastic strain distributionunderneath a Vickers indenter was systematically investigated by recourse to finite element simulation, motivated by theexperimental macro- and micro-indentation on heat-treated Al-Zn-Mg alloy. For meaningful comparison between simulatedand experimental results, the experimental heat treatment was carefully designed such that Al alloy achieve similar yieldstrength with different strain hardening exponent, and vice versa. On the other hand, full 3D simulation of Vickers indentationwas conducted to capture subsurface strain distribution. Subtle differences and similarities were discussed based on the strainfield shape, size and magnitude for the isolated effect of yield strength and strain hardening exponent.

Keywords

• finite element
• Vickers indentation
• deformation field
• power-law