Scaling Relationships in Conical Indentation in Elastic-Plastic Solids with Work-Hardening

Abstract

We derive, using dimensional analysis and finite element calculations, several scaling relationships for conical indentation in elastic-plastic solids with work-hardening. Using these scaling relationships, we examine the relationships between hardness, contact area, and mechanical properties of solids. The scaling relationships also provide new insights into the shape of indentation curves and form the basis for understanding indentation measurements, including nano- and micro-indentation techniques. They may also be helpful as a guide to numerical and finite element calculations of indentation problems.