Small Punch Testing of a Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy and Simulations under Different Stress Triaxialities

The mechanical properties of local materials subjected to various stress triaxialities were investigated via self-designed small punch tests and corresponding simulations, which were tailored to the geometry and notch forms of the samples. The finite element model was developed on the basis of the actual test method. After verifying the accuracy of the simulation, the stress, strain, and void volume fraction distributions of the Ti6Al4V titanium alloy under different stress states were compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the local material significantly differ during downward pressing depending on the geometric shape. A three-dimensional tensile stress state was observed in the center area, where the void volume fraction was greater than the fracture void volume fraction. The fracture morphology of the samples further confirmed the presence of different stress states. Specifically, the fracture morphology of the globular head samples (with or without U-shaped notches) predominantly featured dimples. Modifying the specimen’s geometry effectively increased stress triaxiality, facilitating the determination of the material’s constitutive relationship under varying stress states.