Three-dimensional finite element simulation of the Berkovich indentation of a transversely isotropic piezoelectric material: effect of material orientation

Three-dimensional finite element simulation was used to study the effect of the indentation direction related to the axisymmetric axis of a transversely isotropic piezoelectric material on the indentation behavior of the piezoelectric material by a rigid, insulating Berkovich indenter. The finite element results showed that the indentation load is proportional to the square of the indentation depth with the pre-factor depending on the relative direction and the piezoelectric properties of the material. The indentation-induced potential at the contact center was found to be proportional to the indentation depth. The proportionality is only a function of the angle between the indentation direction and the poling direction. These relationships may be used in the sharp-instrumented indentation to measure the relative direction of the loading axis to the poling direction (axisymmetric axis) of transversely isotropic piezoelectric materials. (paper)