Size effect and indenter shape dependence of indentation and scratching behavior for laser melting deposited Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract

Nanoindentation and scratching experiments are used to evaluate the mechanical and tribological properties of laser melting deposition (LMD) repaired Ti-6Al-4 V alloy. The influence of indenter shape and applied load on hardness and material removal behavior has been investigated. Nanoindentation and scratch hardness values generated by the Berkovich indenter exhibit a significant indentation size effect, characterized by an increase in hardness with decreasing penetration depth. Furthermore, the material removal mechanism is also influenced by the load applied and the indenter shape. Special attention must be paid to both the selected indenter geometry and the contact scale being addressed when studying the material's hardness and scratch behavior.