Asymptotic solution to axisymmetric indentation of a compressible elastic thin film

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Abstract

Using the perturbation theory, the axisymmetric indentation of a compressible elastic thin film bonded to a rigid substrate is analyzed for the contact radius much larger than the thickness of the thin film. Explicit expression of the nominal contact stiffness is obtained, which is proportional to the contact area and inversely proportional to the thickness of the thin film, independent of indenter. The effect of surface interaction on the indentation of compressible elastic films is also discussed by following the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts approach. Closed-form solutions are obtained for the indentation load-indentation depth relation under the action of the surface interaction. It turns out that, for spherical indenters, the pull-off force to detach the indenter from the surface of the thin film is independent of elastic properties of the thin film. This analysis provides us a new approach to evaluate mechanical properties of ultra-thin films by using the nanoindentation technique.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2274-2283
Number of pages10
JournalThin Solid Films
Volume515
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 5 2006

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work is supported by NSF through a Grant CMS-0508989 and is partially supported by General Motors Corporation and the Special Summer Faculty Research Program at the University of Kentucky.

Keywords

  • Adhesion energy
  • Contact stiffness
  • Indentation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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