Indentation in F.C.C. Single Crystals

Abstract

<jats:p>A three-dimensional crystal-plasticity finite element model of nano-indentation is developed in this paper to analyze deformation of a face-centred cubic (f.c.c.) high-purity single crystal of copper. This model was implemented as a user-defined subroutine in the commercial finite element software ABAQUS/Standard and used to study cases with different crystallographic orientations of the single crystal. The effects of various factors – crystallographic orientation of the indented material, an indenter angle and contact conditions between the indenter and workpiece material – on the load-displacement characteristics are studied. The obtained results show an anisotropic nature of surface topography around the obtained indents.</jats:p>