Statistical analysis of experimental parameters in continuous indentation tests using Taguchi method

The continuous indentation test, which applies an indentation load to a material and records the indentation depth, yields indentation tensile properties whose accuracy can vary depending on such experimental parameters as number of unloadings, unloading ratio, maximum depth ratio and indenter radius. The Taguchi method was used to quantify their effects and to determine their optimum values. Using signal-to-noise ratio calculated from the error in the indentation tensile properties, the criterions and the optimum values for the experimental parameters were presented. The indentation tensile properties evaluated with the optimum parameters were in better agreement with the tensile properties.