Depth-sensing micro-indentation has been well recognized as a powerful tool for characterizing mechanical properties of solid materials due to its non-destructive approach. Based on the depth-sensing principle, we have developed a new indentation method combined with a high-resolution imaging technique, optical coherence tomography, which can accurately measure the deformation of hydrogels unde...

Depth-sensing indentation equipment is widely used for evaluation of the hardness and Young’s modulus of materials. The depth resolution of this technique allows the use of ultra-low loads. However, aspects related to the determination of the contact area under indentation should be cautiously considered when using this equipment. These are related to the geometrical imperfections of the tip, t...

A novel instrumentation approach to nanoindentation is described that exhibits improved resolution and depth sensing. The approach is based on a multi-probe scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tool that utilizes tuning-fork based probes for both indentation and depth sensing. Unlike nanoindentation experiments performed with conventional AFM systems using beam-bounce technology, this technique inco...

57 A methodology for interpreting instrumented sharp indentation with dual sharp indenters with different tip apex 58 angles is presented by recourse to computational modeling within the context of finite element analysis. The forward 59 problem predicts an indentation response from a given set of elasto-plastic properties, whereas the reverse analysis 60 seeks to extract elasto-plastic propert...

Recent advances in experimental characterization techniques offer unique opportunities to evaluate mechanical properties of geomaterials. In this paper, authors introduce two such techniques that have significant potential to impact geomechanics community. The technique of using Instrumented indentation testing using nano-indenter to evaluate hardness and modulus of individual sand particles is...

In this article, we present a quantitative stiffness imaging technique and demonstrate its use to directly map the dynamic mechanical properties of materials with nanometer-scale lateral resolution. For the experiments, we use a ‘‘hybrid’’ nanoindenter, coupling depth-sensing nanoindentation with scanning probe imaging capabilities. Force modulation electronics have been added, enhancing instru...

One-to-one comparisons between indentation experiments and atomistic modelling have until recently been hampered by the discrepancy in length scales of the two approaches. Here, we review progress in atomic-scale nanoindentation experiments employing scanning probe techniques to achieve depth-sensing indentation and field ion microscopy to permit detailed indenter characterization. This perspec...