A Numerical Study for Determining the Hardness of Ti6AlV4 Alloy for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Ti6Al4V alloys are extensively used in making implants. However, its use is limited due to low wear resistance and reduced mechanical strength at elevated temperatures. Therefore, it becomes imperative to know its mechanical properties as it can decide the longevity. Though nano indentation is preferred for determining hardness, FE analysis can evaluate complex stress and strain fields under the indenter tip which is very difficult by experimentation. Based on this, mechanical properties viz. hardness of the material can also be determined. A numerical model was developed that can simulate the nano indentation process and determine the hardness of Ti6Al4V alloy based on load-displacement curves obtained from simulation. Results showed that knowledge of inherent material properties of indenter and workpiece helps to develop a model that can accurately simulate the load-displacement behaviour of the material. Also, the hardness of the Ti6AlV4 alloy was obtained that matches well with results obtained from the literature.