Microindentation of titanium: Dependence of plastic energy on the indentation depth and time-dependent plastic deformation

The cavity model and the dislocation mechanics were used to analyze the plastic energy dissipated in an indentation deformation. The plastic energy dissipated in an indentation cycle was proportional to the cube of the residual indentation depth. The experimental results supported the analysis for the indentation of commercially pure titanium by a Vickers indenter. Slip bands around the indentation were observed, suggesting that the indentation deformation was controlled by dislocation motion. The indentation hardness decreased with the indentation load, showing the indentation size effect. The ratio of the total energy to the plastic energy was found to be proportional to the ratio of the maximum indentation depth to the residual indentation depth. The effects of holding time were examined on the time-dependent plastic deformation of the commercially pure titanium at ambient temperature. © 2008 Materials Research Society.