Evaluation of Young’s modulus of construction materials by instrumented indentation using a ball indenter

Methods for evaluation of Young’s modulus (E_m) of structural materials by instrumented indentation using ball indenter have been considered. All these techniques are based on the solution of elastic contact problems performed by H. Hertz. It has been shown that registration of the initial elastic region in the «load – displacement» indentation diagram provides the E_m determination for metals and alloys. However, it is necessary to evaluate accurately the elastic compliance of a device, to use an indenter with a large radius R, and ensure a high surface quality of the test material in advance. Methods for E_m determation, when indentation diagrams are recorded in the elastoplastic indentation region, should include the effect of plastic deformation on the elastic displacement calculated by H. Hertz expression. However, it appeared essential to determine the relation between the elastic α_el and plastic h components of the total elastoplastic displacement α and the elastic displacement α₀ estimated by H. Hertz expression for a definite indentation load. A close correlation between α₀ and α_el is revealed for steels, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium alloys when using indenters with a radius of R = 0.2 – 5 mm (diameter D = 0.4 – 10 mm) and maximum indentation load F_max = 47 – 29430 N (4.8 – 3000 kgf). It is also shown that a gradual decrease in E_m is observed with an increase in R(D) at the same degree of loading F/D² for the same material. This fact was explained by the scale factor effect.

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