Hardening study on the application of the Upper Bound Theorem in indentation processes by means of modules of Triangular Rigid Zones

Abstract

In previous studies based on indentation processes, the application of the Upper Bound Theorem (UBT) Modular Model by means of Triangular Rigid Zones (TRZ) has being analyzed. These studies were carried out with plane strain conditions and rigid-perfectly plastic material. One of the advantages of working with the modular procedure of the UBT, is the possibility of the introduction of the different parameters that take place in the process. This factors introduction allows the enrichment of the study, bringing the research nearest to the reality of the processes. Therefore, in order to approach the method to a real indentation process, the introduction and study of the material hardening is inevitable. Furthermore, thanks to the new incremental processes that are being developed, the indentation processes are becoming important in the current industry.