In the present work we study the static indentation, i.e., the formation of small dents which result from laboratory tests specifically developed with this purpose.
A mathematical model will be presented. It is based on the numerical and experimental tests performed with previous adjustment of all the mechanical variables involved. This model considers the test specimen and indentator geometry, the sheet anisotropic condition, the sheet's plasticity, and the contact conditions between the plate and the indentator developed.
There is a goal to satisfy: specific requirements of a consumer market which is continuously willing for the development of materials with thinner thickness and better mechanical properties. To reach this goal, high strength steels manufactured by the SCAL (Sheet Continuous Annealing Line) are already been produced and tested in experimental scale. These bake-hardening steels can be used to manufacture external panels in the automobile industry.
This work uses CAD/CAM/CAE tools to parametrize data and to design an “electronic prototype”. This prototype shall adequate itself to tests conducted with any kind of steel and indicate the minimum sheet thickness for conformation in several cases.
At last, the numerical and experimental results obtained with the materials tested are continuously compared and analyzed in order to provide better correlation.