New formulation of the nanomechanical quantities using the β-material concept and the indentation function

In the light of the mathematical approach recently proposed for the indentation cycle and the correlation between mechanical properties, the author proposes a set of new relationships for the nanoindentation key parameters describing the elastic-plastic behaviour of materials. These parameters are expressed in terms of easily accessible quantities such as maximum load and p-material. An accurate comparison with results from Oliver and Pharr model is obtained and a connection with the unloading function of this model is proposed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.