Relationship between indentation pile-up and strain-hardening

Single-crystal deformation experiments are the most precise, yet, also among the most challenging experiments to interpret for identification of mechanical properties of metals. This applies particularly for extracting the work hardening properties from such experiments.

Recently, efficient methods were presented to derive single-phase mechanical properties from the combined application of nanoindentation, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) orientation mapping, atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographic measurements, and crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) modeling.

 

Indent pile-up

 

Analysis of orientation-dependence of indentation pile-ups

Dislocation dynamics simulation

 

Simulation of dislcoation activity beneath indents

GND analysis below indents

Revealing GND patterns below indents