Abstract: An indentation measurement apparatus is retrofittable onto any of a variety of load-applying frames and includes a mount for mounting an indenter of any geometry (for example blunt or sharp). The arrangement is very stiff and mechanical values including Young's modulus, strain hardening exponent, yield strength, and hardness can be obtained from a single load/unload versus displacement test. A wide variety of materials can be tested using the apparatus. An optical probe can measure displacement of the indenter head relative to a sample. A new method of calculating strain hardening directly from load/displacement measurement is presented as is a new method of calculating strain hardening exponent.

Abstract: Techniques for the determination of mechanical properties of homogenous or functionally-graded materials from indentation testing are presented. The technique is applicable to indentation on the nano-scale through the macro-scale including the geological scale. The technique involves creating a predictive load/depth relationship for a sample, providing an experimental load/depth relationship, comparing the experimental data to the predictive data, and determining a physical characteristic from the comparison.

Abstract: A technique for determining properties such as Young's modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, and residual stress of individual layers within a multi-layered sample is presented. The technique involves preparation of a series of samples, each including one additional layer relative to the preceding sample. By comparison of each sample to a preceding sample, properties of the topmost layer can be determined, and residual stress at any depth in each sample, resulting from deposition of the top layer, can be determined.