An instrumented microindentation testing device

An experimental device for microindentation testing has been designed and c onstructed. The device can be used together with standard testing machines and allows for continuous recording of indentation loads up to approximatel y 500 N and indentation depths in the range 1 to 100 mum Special care has b een taken in order to minimize the effects of elastic deformations in the e xperimental setup as well as deformation of the foundation. To check the re liability as well as the accuracy of the experimental device, microindentat ion tests, using a standard Vickers indenter, were performed on three well- characterized materials and the experimental results compared with earlier experimental and theoretical findings as well as with presently performed t hree-dimensional finite element calculations.