Numerical Simulation of the Depth-Sensing Indentation Test with Knoop Indenter

Abstract

Depth-sensing indentation (DSI) technique allows easy and reliable determination of two mechanical properties of materials: hardness and Young’s modulus. Most of the studies are focusing on the Vickers, Berkovich, and conical indenter geometries. In case of Knoop indenter, the existing experimental and numerical studies are scarce. The goal of the current study is to contribute for the understanding of the mechanical phenomena that occur in the material under Knoop indention, enhancing and facilitating the analysis of its results obtained in DSI tests. For this purpose, a finite element code, DD3IMP, was used to numerically simulate the Knoop indentation test. A finite element mesh was developed and optimized in order to attain accurate values of the mechanical properties. Also, a careful modeling of the Knoop indenter was performed to take into account the geometry and size of the imperfection (offset) of the indenter tip, as in real cases.