Nanoindentation of CVD diamond:: comparison of an FE model with analytical and experimental data

This paper describes an experimental procedure for the determination of the hardness and the elastic modulus through nanoindentation of a CVD diamond coating using simple analytical formulae. Such tests, performed with a Berkovich indenter, were simulated by finite element analysis. Through the numerical analysis, it was possible to reproduce the load-penetration depth curves and thus, confirm the validity or correct the property calculations. Results show that the predicted property values can be affected by the assumed material strain hardening. By comparing the numerical values with the experimental results, it is possible to characterise, with sufficient accuracy, the material behaviour. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.