Dynamic Indentation of an Elastic-Plastic Multi-Layered Medium by a Rigid Cylinder

Abstract

A plane-strain analysis of dynamic indentation of an elastic-plastic multi-layered medium by a rigid cylinder was performed using the finite element method. Conversely to plane-strain static contact analysis, the solutions of a dynamic contact analysis within a subsurface domain adjacent to the contact region are independent of mesh size, provided the mesh dimensions are sufficiently large such that the propagating waves reflected from the artificial boundaries do not reach the domain of interest during the analysis. Simulation results for the normal force, contact pressure distribution, subsurface stresses, and evolution of plasticity in the multi-layered medium are presented in terms of the speed and radius of the rigid indenter. The likelihood of mechanical failure due to excessive plastic deformation and cracking is interpreted in terms of finite element results for the von Mises equivalent stress, first principal stress, and equivalent plastic strain obtained for different values of the indenter speed and radius of curvature.