Plane strain wedge indentation revisited

Abstract

For a plane strain wedge indentation problem, detailed comparisons between slip-line field theory (SLFT) solutions, experimental observations and finite-element analysis results are carried out. Several past remaining questions on this problem are explored. The finite-element computations appear to account for the nature of a modified slip-line field solution (Petryk H. 1980 Journal de Mécanique Appliquée 4 , 255–282) that assumes the existence of an additional fan-shaped slip-line field just above the boundary between yielding and unyielding regions. For obtuse-angled wedges, finite-element computations show that the indentation load could be smaller for a rough wedge than for a smooth wedge. The question that was raised in the literature with respect to the reversed order of required loads for smooth and rough wedges is not necessarily a paradox. It is revealed that with increasing friction coefficient, a distinct deformation mode resembling the dead metal cap solution in the SLFT is established immediately after passing the critical friction coefficient value at which the contact mode theoretically changes from frictional sliding to perfect sticking. The profiles of the bulged-out lip material remain straight in all the finite-element computations for non-hardening materials. Nonlinearity of the lip profiles frequently observed in experiments appears in the presence of strain hardening or strain-rate sensitivity.