Using Energy Method to Calculate Elastic Modulus and Indentation Hardness of Materials

Based on energy method, using dimensional analysis method and the Π theorem, the dimensionless function between the indentation work, indentation hardness and indentation parameters, material properties were derived. Based on finite element simulation analysis, a linear relationship between the dimensionless indentation hardness and indentation work was established. According to the linear relationship between the unloaded slope and contact area, the analytic model of indentation hardness and elastic modulus was obtained, and then combining the load-depth curves, the indentation hardness and elastic modulus of materials could be obtained. The results show that using energy method could measure indentation hardness and elastic modulus rapidly and accuratly.