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Depth Sensing Indentation (DSI) is used in the mechanical characterization of bulk and coated materials. The finite element method is used to perform three-dimensional numerical simulations of Vickers hardness tests. The modelling and the optimisation of the more significant parameters in the simulation of this test are treated in detail. The load-unloading curves are carefully studied and the indentation geometry is related to the material mechanical properties. For the case of bulk materials, different reverse analysis methodologies for evaluate the stress-plastic strain curve from the load-unloading indentation curve, are presented. A detailed study of indentation geometry and stress and strain distributions is performed on coated materials. The determination of the Young´s modulus in thin films is analysed with reference to different models. Also, a reverse analysis methodology is used for the determination of the Young´s modulus of coatings.

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J.M. Antunes is Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar. Also, is member of the Mechanical Engineering Center from University of Coimbra (CEMUC). Is co-author of more than forty publications concerning the mechanical characterization of materials.

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