Nanoindentation Study of Intermetallic Particles in 2024 Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

Nanoindentation tests are useful for determining the local mechanical properties of materials. However, the method has its limitations, and its accuracy is strongly influenced by the nano-scale geometry of the indented area. The authors chose to perform measurements of the hardness and elastic modulus of intermetallic particles in 2024 aluminium alloys. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the particles’ depth and shape on the accuracy of the nanoindentation result. Several simulations were performed with the use of the finite element method on different geometries mirroring possible real-life configurations of the particle and matrix. The authors compared the force vs. deformation curves for all of the variants. The results showed that the nanoindentation process is different for a particle with the same mechanical properties depending on its depth under the investigated surface. Therefore, the measured values of hardness and elastic modulus for intermetallic particles are partly the result of interaction with a matrix.

Software (GUI/APP) for Developing AI-Based Models Capable of Predicting Load-Displacement Curve and AFM Image during Nanoindentation

“…Nanoindentation is widely used for determining mechanical properties of materials by analyzing the load-displacement curve [1,2], while atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an essential tool for analyzing the deformation of material during indentation [3,4]. In order to perform experiments on a new material, an experimentalist relies on their experience or refers to the literature on tests performed on similar systems, and accordingly designs their approach regarding applied load and holding time for similar systems [5][6][7]. This approach utilizes the expertise of an experienced experimentalist to come up with a set of test conditions.…”