ALE finite element analysis of plastic indentation process of lubricated plate by the ball collision

©2013 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers In the present study, we apply an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) finite element method, which can rationally solve the interaction behavior between the fluid flow and the nonlinear solid deformation, to the simulation of indentation process of lubricated elastoplastic plates by the ball collision. As have been reported by numerous experimental works, it is also shown by the present numerical approach that the characteristic of lubricant affects indentation profiles. For instance, the indentation profile represents the conical shape due to viscous property of lubricant, while the profile represents the bowl-type shape under the dry condition. Based on the systematic numerical investigation, it is confirmed in the case of lubricated condition that the indentation is formed through the pressure of a fluid. Then, a squeeze effect of viscous flow and a shut-up of lubricant, which is caused by velocity of lateral flow, are observed. Furthermore, it is understood that the conical shape of indentation profile is formed at an initial contact stage, and then its size similarly grow up during loading. Thus, it is confirmed that the ALE finite element method is one of effective methods for the examination of impact problems on lubricated surfaces.