Effect of ultrasonic vibration on wedge indentation of a model elastoviscoplastic material

A wedge indentation test has been carried out, in which an ultrasonic vibration was superimposed at a frequency of 20 kHz to investigate the effects of ultrasonic vibration on the indentation mechanics of Plasticine. A finite element simulation was employed as basis for interpreting the experimental data. The model incorporated material and geometric non-linearity and the slide line method for modeling contact problems. The finite element results show that stress superposition only accounts for part of the load reduction measured under superimposed ultrasonic vibration, and that there are no temperature changes during the process. Consequently, the reduction in indentation load may be attributed to a combination of stress superposition and friction reduction.