Effect of constitutive behavior on scratch visibility resistance of polymers

What is it about?

Three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) parametric study was performed by simulating linearly progressive load scratch process on a polymer substrate with a spherical-tip indenter. The scratch depth and shoulder height of the groove formed during scratch is simulated by varying a set of material constitutive parameters including yield stress, strain softening slope, strain hardening slope, strain at stress recovery, and strain before hardening.

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Why is it important?

The constitutive behavior and surface properties play an important role in influencing scratch performance of polymers. The present work studied the influence of material constitutive parameters on scratch performance of polymers. The results provided deep insights toward designing of scratch resistant polymers for engineering applications.