FEM simulation and experimental measurement of hardness by the Superficial Rockwell HRT scale using the steel and tungsten carbide spherical indenters

摘要

This paper considers the comparison and evaluation of Superficial-Rockwell (HRT) hardness tests using the steel and tungsten carbide ball indenters. There are differences observed in Superficial-Rockwell HRT hardness scale tests by using 1.588 mm (1/16") diameter steel and tungsten carbide ball indenters. The modeling was made with HRT hardness reference blocks and widespread soft thinner gage material (copper, aluminum, steel) with different thickness. In the simulation determined that the tungsten carbide indenter balls have the advantage of being less likely to flatten with repeated use and the use of hard metal ball indenters may have different measurement results than tests using steel ball indenters. The simulation of indentation process is performed by the finite element method in the Academic version of ANSYS software product, which is available for free use on the website The simulation results are confirmed by experimental studies. For further analysis of the results of comparisons it is interesting to conduct researches for micro-Vickers and Berkovich hardness scales. Furthermore, the practical application of the obtained results allows to evaluate the quality abradable surfaces in the design of structural components with small clearances. The obtained results are important for evaluation of the results of international comparisons of the national standards. This work was performed as part of preparation the Draft A COOMET.M.H-S3 - Supplementary comparison of regional metrological organization for Superficial-Rockwell Hardness scales.