FINITE-ELEMENT SIMULATION OF WEDGE INDENTATION

A finite element simulation of frictionless wedge indentation of a cop per strip has been carried out under plane strain conditions. The prob lem was first modelled using an one-pass contact algorithm. The diffic ulties associated with using this method to model wedge indentation pr oblems are explained. An alternative procedure which alleviates some o f the problems associated with the one-pass contact algorithm is propo sed for modelling frictionless wedge indentation. Also, a re-meshing p rocedure which has to be carried out when the distortion of the elemen ts around the indenter becomes significant, is discussed. A sample pro blem involving indentation of a 4 mm copper strip by a rigid wedge ind enter has been modelled and the results are compared with experimental and theoretical results.