Theory of indentation on multiferroic composite materials

This article presents a general theory on indentation over a multiferroic composite half-space. The material is transversely isotropic and magneto-electro-elastic with its axis of symmetry normal to the surface of the half-space. Based on the corresponding half-space Green’s functions to point sources applied on the surface, explicit expressions for the generalized pressure vs. indentation depth are derived for the first time for the three common indenters (flat-ended, conical, and spherical punches). The important multiphase coupling issue is discussed in detail, with the weak and strong coupling being correctly revisited. The derived analytical solutions of indentation will not only serve as benchmarks for future numerical studies of multiphase composites, but also have important applications to experimental test and characterization of multiphase materials, in particular, of multiferroic properties.