A creep finite element analysis of indentation creep testing in two phase microstructures (particle/matrix- and thin film/substrate-systems)

The present paper explores the possibilities of determining creep parameters for particles in particle/matrix-microstructures and thin films (TFs) in thin film/substrate-systems using indentation creep testing. The results of the finite element creep stress and strain analysis performed in the present study show the potential and the limits of indentation creep testing in this respect. The study provides information on how different combinations of material properties and geometries (dimensions and shapes) affect indentation creep testing of coarse particles and thin films. An inverse finite element procedure is introduced which allows to determine the creep parameters of particles and thin films (assumed to exhibit a Norton law type of creep behavior) on the basis of two indentation creep tests with two indenter geometries.