An analysis of nanoindentation in linearly elastic solids

The conventional method to extract elastic properties in the nanoindentation of linearly elastic solids relies primarily on Sneddon’s solution (1948). The underlying assumptions behind Sneddon’s derivation, namely, (1) an infinitely large incompressible specimen; (2) an infinitely sharp indenter tip, are generally violated in nanoindentation. As such, correction factors are commonly introduced to achieve accurate measurements. However, little is known regarding the relationship between the correction factors and how they affect the overall accuracy. This paper first proposes a criterion for the specimen’s geometry to comply with the first assumption, and modifies Sneddon’s elastic relation to account for the finite tip radius effect. The relationship between the finite tip radius and compressibility of the specimen is then examined and a composite correction factor that involves both factors, derived. The correction factor is found to be a function of indentation depth and a critical depth is derived beyond which, the arbitrary finite tip radius effect is insignificant. Techniques to identify the radius of curvature of the indenter and to decouple the elastic constants (E and ν) for linear elastic materials are proposed. Finally, experimental results on nanoindentation of natural latex are reported and discussed in light of the proposed modified relation and techniques.