Cyclic Nanoindentation for Local High Cycle Fatigue Investigations: A Methodological Approach Accounting for Thermal Drift

Abstract

Cyclic nanoindentation allows characterizing the influence of single phases and their interactions on fatigue mechanisms. Herein, a method for high cycle fatigue testing by nanoindentation is presented. By combining high‐ and low‐frequency indentation modes, high cycle numbers are achieved while obtaining sufficient data points to reconstruct force–displacement hysteresis loops. A challenge is the stochastic course of thermal drift which is addressed by measuring drift rate in regular low‐force holding segments. Drift rates are used to correct the displacement values, yielding reproducible cyclic deformation data as it is shown for two very different materials, a ductile metal and a brittle ceramic.