Abstract
This review covers areas where our understanding of the mechanisms underlying nanoindentation has been increased by atomistic studies of the nanoindentation process. While such studies have been performed now for more than 20 years, recent investigations have demonstrated that the peculiar features of nanoplasticity generated during indentation can be analyzed in considerable detail by this technique. Topics covered include: nucleation of dislocations in ideal crystals, effect of surface orientation, effect of crystallography (fcc, bcc, hcp), effect of surface and bulk damage on plasticity, nanocrystalline samples, and multiple (sequential) indentation. In addition we discuss related features, such as the influence of tip geometry on the indentation and the role of adhesive forces, and how pre-existing plasticity affects nanoindentation.
Highlights
Nanoindentation is a technique commonly used to provide information about the elastic modulus and hardness of materials [1,2]. This technique has provided insights into a broad range of material properties; as examples we mention the indentation cracking of brittle thin films on brittle substrates [3]; the fracture toughness, adhesion and mechanical properties of dielectric thin films [4]; the strain hardening and recovery in a bulk metallic glass [5]; the phase transformation of titanium dioxide thin films produced by filtered arc deposition [6]; superhard materials [7]; and even the investigation of biomaterials, such as the mechanical properties of human enamel [8]
Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation showed some of their potential in this area with the pioneering work of Landman et al [14], showing metallic bonding and substrate-to-tip atom transfer as a result of the need of optimization of the interaction energy
This report on recent results in the field of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of nanoindentation demonstrates the high level of activity in this field
Summary
Nanoindentation is a technique commonly used to provide information about the elastic modulus and hardness of materials [1,2]. Luan and Robbins [11] showed that a nanoscale contact is governed by atomistic phenomena and that it is frequent to find plastic deformation in the form of dislocation nucleation on the surface or the flattening of asperities [12]. The scale of these phenomena render their in situ experimental observation extremely difficult and that is the reason why computational tools help on the elucidation of the deformation mechanisms taking place. We conclude on current challenges in the field (Section 7)
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