Simple models for characterization of mechanical properties by nanoidentation

Nanoindentation provides information about mechanical properties from indenter load and displacement, measured during loading and unloading. This chapter brings an overview of important models and formulae used in the evaluation of these measurements. The main topics are: approximation of load -depth curves, determination of contact stiffness, depth and area, hardness and elastic modulus, obtaining of yield strength and stress-strain curves from indentation data, information from the work of indentation, models for the response of coated or surface-treated components, models for the response of viscoelastic materials and procedures for obtaining their parameters from tests under monotonic and harmonic load, as well as for the derermination of viscosity in creep tests