Simulation of the Process of Metal Hardness Measurement by the Rockwell Method

Abstract

Abstract The article presents a simulation of metal hardness determination by the Rockwell method. The authors describe a physical model of an indenter and the examined sample built by means of the Nastran FX 2010 program using the finite elements method. The modelling included subsequent stages of indenter loads that follow the procedure used in the method. The verifying calculations were made for the results of C45 steel hardness of approx. 20 HRC. Two methods of hardness measurements were analyzed. A diamond cone was used as an indenting tool in one method, a steel ball in the other. As a result of calculations, spatial maps of elastic and plastic strains and stresses were obtained throughout the process. The hardness results obtained from computer simulations and those from experiments involving C45 steel are similar.