A finite element analysis and remeshing algorithm for an axisymmetric elasto-plastic contact problem related to indentation measurements

Non-linear quasi-static axisymmetric indentation problem is studied for comparitive computational analysis between elasto-plastic parameters and mechanical behaviour of homogeneous engineering metal materials. Mathematical model, based on deformation theory version of J2 theory, leads to quasi-static elasto-plastic contact problem with unknown contact domain, depending on the value of a indentation depth. Finite element model with the remeshing algorithm is constructed for simulation of the considered indentation problem. The algorithm permits one to determine the unknown contact zone with high accuracy on each step of indentation. As a result, the indentation curve P(a), corresponding to the deformation curve ri = ri(ei), is obtained computationally. It is shown that the monotone indentation curve contains ample information related to elasto-plastic and mechanical properties of a material. In particular, the correlation between the yield stress rs and the Brinell number HB is estimated. 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.