FE simulation on deformation behavior underneath self-similar indenter during pseudo-steady indentation creep

Abstract

Theoretical analysis and finite element simulation have been carried out for a constant specific load rate indentation creep test. Analytical results indicate that both the representative stress and the indentation strain rate become constant after a transient period. Moreover, the finite element simulation reveals that both the contours of equivalent stress and equivalent plastic strain rate underneath self-similar indenter evolve with geometrical self-similarity. This suggests that pseudo-steady indentation creep occurs in the region beneath the indenter. The stress exponent for creep can be obtained exactly from the pseudo-steady indentation creep data. These results demonstrate that the constant specific load rate testing technique can be used to evaluate creep parameters with the same accuracy as conventional uniaxial creep tests.