Characterization and modeling of large displacement micro-/nano-indentation of polymeric solids

Large displacement micro-indentation tests have been performed on various polymeric solids to measure the plastic properties. Cylindrical flat-ended indenters with diameter in the range of 10-90 mu m are mostly used. The mechanism of large-strain indentation has been examined with optical microscopy and finite element simulations. Results show that under a flat-tipped indenter, the material can quickly reach a fully plastic state. The size (diameter) of the plastic zone is constant in large-strain regions and unaffected by the exact tip profile (flat, spherical, and conical). The indentation stress-displacement curve at large strains is linear as a result of the steady-state plastic flow, from which the mean indentation pressure, a measure of yield strength, can be readily extrapolated. The indentation stress-displacement response is independent of the indenter diameters but strongly dependent on the strain-hardening behavior of the material and the friction between a material and an indenter. Compared with other shaped indenters, the flat-ended indenter requires the least penetration depth in order to probe the plastic properties of a material or structure.