Modeling the micro-indentation of metal matrix composites

MARIO ROBERTO ROSENBERGER; FORLERER, E.; SCHVEZOV, C. E.

San Antonio. Texas. USA.

Congreso; “Processing and Mechanical Response of Engineering Materials”,2006 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition.; 2006

The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society

A dynamic finite element model is developed to quantify the effect of the depth and diameter of the reinforcement in the diameter of the indentation in test samples. The model includes a spherical indenter, which is pressed against a metal containing reinforcing particles. The results are validated comparing the predicted values of indentations, the given properties of the model material and the standard indentation given by the Brinell method, showing a very good agreement. The model is employed to predict indentations in simple configurations of composites consisting of a matrix containing one particle of the same diameter as the indenter. The diameters of the impression, and stress and strain fields for reinforced and matrix materialsare compared. Impressions of reinforced materials smaller than those for non-reinforced materials were observed,  the values depend on the position of the particle. The results are discussed in relation with the scatter of hardness values.