Scaling relationships in conical indentation of elastic-perfectly plastic solids

Using dimensional analysis and _nite element calculations we derive several scaling relationships for conical indentation into elastic!perfectly plastic solids[ These scaling relationships provide new insights into the shape of indentation curves and form the basis for understanding indentation measurements\ including nano! and micro!indentation techniques[ They are also helpful as a guide to numerical and _nite element calculations of conical indentation problems[ Finally\ the scaling relationships are used to reveal the general relationships between hardness\ contact area\ initial unloading slope\ and mechanical properties of solids[