Papers by Author: A.A. Becker

Abstract: In this study, numerical indentation tests are carried out to examine the sensitivity of FE solutions with respect to different types of substrate models. Axisymmetric, 3D-quarter and 3D-half geometry substrates with a perfectly sharp indenter are modelled. Numerical evaluations of three different indenters, namely Berkovich, Vickers and conical indenters with perfectly sharp tips are investigated. From the FE simulations, the loading-unloading curves can be obtained. From the slope of the unloading curve, the hardness and elastic modulus can be calculated by using the Oliver-Pharr method. The results are compared to investigate the effects of using different indenter geometries. The equivalent plastic strains and the effects of different face angles of the indenters are analysed.

Abstract: The testing setups, results and analysis of constant load creep and low-cycle high temperature fatigue tests of tungsten inert gas (TIG) butt-welded, thin-section INCONEL 718 (IN718) specimens are presented. The main objectives were to determine the effect the welds have on failure time and analyse any differences in their failure behaviour. It was found that although welded IN718 may exhibit comparatively little loss of tensile strength, its ductility and creep and high temperature fatigue properties are severely compromised due to its changed microstructure.

Abstract: Boundary element (BE) analysis is well known as a tool for assessing the stiffness and strength of engineering components, but, along with finite element (FE) techniques, it is also finding new applications as a means of simulating the behaviour of deformable objects within virtual reality simulations since it exploits precisely the same kind of surface-only definition used for visual rendering of three-dimensional solid objects. This paper briefly reviews existing applications of BE and FE within virtual reality, and describes recent work on the BE-based simulation of aspects of surgical operations on the brain, making use of commercial hand-held force-feedback interfaces (haptic devices) to measure the positions of the virtual surgical tools and provide tactile feedback to the user. The paper presents an overview of the project then concentrates on recent developments, including the incorporation of simulated tumours in the virtual brain.