Mechanical Characterization of Mesoscale Interfaces Using Indentation Techniques

Abstract

Mesoscale interfaces and interphases play a central role in controlling the many macroscale mechanical properties and performance characteristics of structural materials. Modern instrumented indenters present an unprecedented opportunity to measure, reliably and consistently, the local mechanical responses at a multitude of length scales ranging from tens of nanometers to hundreds of microns. When these high-fidelity measurements are combined with rigorous data analyses protocols, it is possible to systematically study the mechanical role of individual mesoscale interfaces and quantify their contributions to the overall mechanical response of the material system. The advantages of these new measurement and analyses protocols as well as the potential for development and implementation of novel high-throughput assays is discussed.

Influence of the Mechanical Properties of Elastoplastic Materials on the Nanoindentation Loading Response

“…Nanoindentation has become a powerful quantitative method for characterizing the mechanical properties of materials on a small scale. It is widely used in composite materials, multiphase alloy, nanostructured materials, thin films, and coatings [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. During the course of the indentation, a record of the load and the corresponding depth of penetration can be made.…”

Understanding mechanical behavior of interfaces in materials

“…A few notable reviews (not included in this special issue) on properties and performance of materials related to mechanical response include: mechanical behavior of interfaces in 2D materials by Akinwande et al [22] and by Liu and Wu [23]; strain engineering of 2D materials by Ahn et al [24]; experimental characterization of mechanical behavior of interfaces and interphases by Kalidindi et al [25]; modeling methods across multiple scales by McDowell [26]; mechanical behavior of biomaterials by Meyers et al [27]; the mechanical behavior of metallic glasses by Trexler and Thadhani [28]; and high-strain rate response by Gray III [29]. A few notable topical articles (not included in this special issue) discuss the capabilities and limitations of current methodologies/techniques to understand the behavior of materials under a variety of environments including: high-strain rate experimental methods [30]; in situ experimental techniques by Singh et al [31]; coarse-graining-based methodologies [32,33]; ICME by Panchal et al [34]; and machine learning methods [35].…”