Simulation of Brinell hardness testing for Ti6Al4V using numerical methods

Abstract

Biomaterials for the replacement of deteriorated joints in the human body have led to the use of materials with mechanical properties suitable for long-term performance. Ti6Al4V alloy is the most widely used alloy in the orthopedic industry due to its low density, elastic modulus and biocompatibility. Experimental Brinell hardness tests were performed on Ti6Al4V, obtaining diameters and areas of the footprint left by the ball indenter using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Equations were used to determine the indentation depth and to make the comparison with the numerical simulation. Therefore, the objective of the research is the verification of the Brinell hardness test for Titanium alloy by means of numerical simulation. Demonstrating that the model used for the simulation and the experiments performed with the hardness tester to measure the Brinell test have sufficient accuracy in the plastic deformation produced by the penetration of the spherical indenter on the surface of the material.