A numerical analysis of spherical indentation response of thin hard films on soft substrates

Vanimisetti, Sampath K and Narasimhan, R (2006) A numerical analysis of spherical indentation response of thin hard films on soft substrates. In: International Journal of Solids and Structures, 43 (20). pp. 6180-6193.

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Abstract

In this paper, finite element simulations of spherical indentation of a thin hard film deposited on a soft substrate are carried out. The primary objective of this work is to understand the operative mode of deformation of the film corresponding to various stages of indentation. The transition from contact dominant behaviour to that governed by flexure of the film on the plastically yielding substrate is investigated from analysis of the load versus displacement curve as well as the stress distribution in the film. It is found that onset of bending deformation in the film occurs when the contact radius is about 0.2–0.3 of the film thickness. Further, distinct membrane stresses arise in the film for indentation depth greater than half the film thickness. The implications of these results on indentation fracture of the film are briefly discussed. Finally, the effects of substrate yield strength and presence of residual stresses on the indentation response are examined.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	International Journal of Solids and Structures
Publisher:	Elsevier
Additional Information:	Copright of this article belongs to Elsevier.
Keywords:	Thin hard films;Substrate plasticity;Indentation response;Finite elements
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	27 Nov 2007
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:32
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/8871

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