Finite Element Analysis of Small Punch Test for Ti Matrix Composites

Mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy and the Ti-6Al-4V base composites(MMCs) particulate-mixing-reinforced with 5 vol% and 10 vol%(TiB+TiC) were investigated by small punch test.The effects of test conditions such as sample thickness and friction coefficient on test results were studied by using finite element analysis.The results show that the load-displacement curves established by FEM simulation and small punch test had the same trend.The maximum load was sensitive to the sample thickness,while the load-displacement curve was insensitive to the friction coefficient.There existed linear relationship between the fracture toughness JIC,small punch energy ESP,and equivalent fracture strain.The empirical formula was built up.