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Software Components
The Virtual INDENTER software bundle includes
the following components:
A user-friendly Batch
Design Wizard that
prompts the user
through each step
of setting up a batch
of simulations
The finite-element
engine, COSMOS™
The averaging and
plotting program,
Analyst, which can
be used to graph results
from any combination
of finite
element simulations
and/or Nano Indenter
experiments
Features and Benefits
Up to 99 simulations per batch;
sequential simulations execute
with no interaction from user
Automatic meshing of a variety
of samples and indenters:
Bulk materials
Up to 3 stacked films
Embedded particles/fibers
Spherical, conical, flat-punch,
or area-function indenters
Variety of constitutive models
Easy comparison to experimental
data from NANO Indenter
systems through Analyst™
Libraries for storing
materials and indenter tips
Automated output to Microsoft
ExcelTM workbooks
Automated movie
creation (AVI)
Runs on most desktop PCs
Complements all commercial instrumented
indentation systems
Quick ramp-up time. No
FEA experience required
Smart interpretation of
physical data from complex
samples, such as thin films
or embedded particles
Tool for critically evaluating
analytic models for interpretation
of physical data
Informative, eye-catching
graphics for conference
presentations
Effective tool for education
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Simplifies finite element simulations of indentation experiments |
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The Virtual INDENTER software package
is an essential analysis tool that complements
the capabilities of your physical
instrumented indentation system. Virtual
Indenter is a complete software bundle
that allows the user to easily setup,
execute, and analyze finite-element
simulations of indentation experiments.
WHY FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS?
Finite element analysis (FEA) has many applications
in instrumented indentation testing, as
evidenced by a myriad scientific publications.
Traditional models for interpreting experimental
instrumented indentation data assume that
the test sample is a semi-infinite, homogeneous
material, with limited plasticity. However, when
the test sample does not fit this description, FEA
provides a tool for more sophisticated modeling.
For example, if you are interested in thin, compliant
films on a hard substrate, FEA may be used
to quantify the influence of the hard substrate
on the experimentally measured modulus of
the film. As a second example, suppose you are
testing a novel material system. How well should
you expect the Oliver-Pharr technique for determining
contact area to work on your unique
material system? FEA provides the answer!
FEA IN EDUCATION
Finite-element analysis is an extremely useful tool
for educating students and colleagues in the field
of instrumented indentation testing. And because
Virtual INDENTER is so easy to use, newcomers
can be running their own simulations in just
minutes. For example, Virtual INDENTER is entirely
appropriate for use as an undergraduate teaching tool.
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Cross-sectional view of stress contours
Imagine being able to use simulated
load-displacement data with 2D animated color
graphics to illustrate the following phenomena:
- The location of maximum shear
stress in a Hertzian contact
- Relationship between “hardness”
and yield stress in metals
- The relationship between force and
displacement for elastic contact
between a cone and a flat surface
- Elastic recovery during unloading
- Situations in which material “piles-up”
around the indenter, and so the
calculated contact area is too small
- Situations in which “sink-in” is accentuated,
and so the calculated contact area is too big
- The influence of a mounting material,
like epoxy, on the force-displacement
data for hard, embedded particles
- Locations of stress build-up in
geometrically complex samples.
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Download Virtual Indenter PDF
Contact MTS
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