Determination of the load-independent hardness by analyzing the nanoindentation loading curves: A case study on fused silica

Abstract

The nanoindentation loading curves measured on fused silica were analyzed based on the theoretical relationship derived by Malzbender et al. (J Mater Res 2000, 15: 1209–1212). It was found that the ratio of the applied load to the square of the displacement, P/(h + hd)2, does not keep constant during loading segment of the nanoindentation test. Considering the existence of the indentation size effect, an empirical method for the determination of the load-independent hardness by analyzing the nanoindentation loading curves was proposed.