Nanoindentation creep testing: Advantages and limitations of the constant contact pressure method

Abstract Different loading protocols have been developed in the past to investigate creep properties of materials using instrumented indentation testing technique. Recently, a new method was presented, which contact pressure is kept constant during test segment, similar stress applied uniaxial experiment. In this study, results tests are compared and load hold experiments on ultrafine grained Cu CuAl5. The yields exponents as tests, down strain rates 10 –6 s −1 , whereas mainly relaxation material at decreasing pressures. Furthermore, pronounced change power law exponent large reductions found for both indicating deformation mechanism metals. Graphical abstract