Indentation size effect and hardness of materials

Abstract

In recent decades, the Indentation Size Effect (ISE), which manifests itself as a change in fixed hardness depending on indentation conditions, has become one of the most urgent problems of modern materials science. Research efforts are aimed at identifying and eliminating the causes of ISE, because the discrepancy between actual and true hardness values greatly complicates the task of finding the optimal material for the manufacture of parts. The proposed paper gives a brief review of the theories explaining ISE and its relationship with hardness of materials. A more detailed analysis of the effect of ISE on hardness is presented using an energy model based on the determination of the specific work of plastic deformation during indenter indentation. In all cases of ISE manifestation, a proportional relationship was established between the fixed hardness and the specific work of plastic deformation. Thus, the main cause of ISE is the hardening of the material in the centre of deformation under the indenter. The degree of influence of ISE on the fixable hardness as a function of material pre-hardening was determined. At a high level of pre-hardening (at ε>0.25) the influence of the ISE becomes insignificant, so it cannot be of practical importance. The proposed method of hardness determination will allow to assign material for manufacturing of parts to a greater extent corresponding to the operating conditions. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences.