Self-Similarity Simplification Approaches for the Modeling and Analysis of Rockwell Hardness Indention

Published

September 1, 2002

Author(s)

Li Ma, J Zhou, A Lau, Samuel R. Low III, Roland deWit

Abstract

Indentation process of the Rockwell diamond indenter pressing into inelastic material is studies for the analysis, simulation and prediction of Rockwell hardness tests. The geometrical characteristics of the cone-spherical-shaped Rockwell indenter are discussed and fit into a general function in a self-similarity way. The complicated moving boundary problem in Rockwell hardness tests is simplified to an intermediate station one for a flat die indenter by using principles of similarity and cumulative superposition approaches. This method is applied to both strain hardening and strain rate dependent materials. The effects of different material properties and indenter geometry on the indentation depth are discussed. The finite element method is used to simulate the indenter geometric parameter effects on the indentation process.

Citation

Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -

Volume

107 No. 5

NIST Pub Series

Journal of Research (NIST JRES)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Keywords

analytical modeling, cumulative superposition, diamond indenter, FEA, finite element analysis, indentation, Rockwell hardness, self-similarity

Citation

Ma, L. , Zhou, J. , Lau, A. , Low, S. and deWit, R. (2002), Self-Similarity Simplification Approaches for the Modeling and Analysis of Rockwell Hardness Indention, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed October 18, 2025)