Indentation in Materials Science: Advances in Theory, Instrumentation, and Multiscale Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Micro-nano indentation is an innovative technique for mechanical property extraction.
• It overcomes limitations inherent in traditional material testing methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review advances in micro-nano indentation technology.
• To discuss instrumentation, standardization, theoretical models, and analysis methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of instrumentation and standardization developments.
• Discussion of theoretical models: Oliver-Pharr, strain gradient plasticity, viscoelastic, and Laugier models.
• Highlighting patent-related innovations like in-situ systems and high-speed sampling.

Main Results:

• Analysis of indentation response across metals, ceramics, biomaterials, composites, flexible electronics, and 2D materials.
• Case studies show applications in industrial coating evaluation and biomimetic design.
• Revealed anomalies in Hall-Petch relationship for nanocrystalline metals.

Conclusions:

• Addressed challenges like surface roughness and high-strain-rate testing delays with solutions.
• Nanoindentation shows interdisciplinary potential, evolving into a design platform.
• Future focus on multimodal systems, ML, standardization, and extreme environments.