The relationship between the deformation and the indentation size effect (ISE)

Abstract

The aim of the submitted work is to study the relationship between the local deformation and the indentation size effect (ISE). A local value of reduction of the area (Z) was used as the measure of the deformation. Applied loads in the micro-hardness test ranged between 0.09807 to 0.9807 N. The micro-hardness was measured on the cross section in the longitudinal axis of the fractured sample after the uniaxial tension test. The material of the sample was 99.5% aluminium. The influence of both load and deformation on the ISE was evaluated by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The influence of the load was also evaluated by Meyer’s index n, PSR method, and Hays–Kendall approach. The influence of both factors on the measured value of micro-hardness and therefore on the ISE is statistically significant. The ISE is normal in the areas with high deformation, on the contrary, in areas with low deformation, it has a “reverse” character. The difference between load independent “true hardness” and measured micro-hardness HV0.05 increases with increasing deformation.