Scaling relationships in conical indentation of elastic perfectly plastic solids

Using dimensional analysis and finite element calculations we derive severa l scaling relationships for conical indentation into elastic-perfectly plas tic solids. These scaling relationships provide new insights into the shape of indentation curves and form the basis for understanding indentation mea surements, including nano- and micro-indentation techniques. They are also helpful as a guide to numerical and finite element calculations of conical indentation problems. Finally, the scaling relationships are used to reveal the general relationships between hardness, contact area, initial unloadin g slope, and mechanical properties of solids. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.