UIM-1 Measuring Complex for Comprehensive Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Materials by Instrumented Indentation

Traditional destructive methods for evaluating the mechanical properties of materials require the preparation of test specimens, which precludes their application for assessing finished products. Thus, the development of non-destructive testing that provide reliable evaluation of a wide range of properties is a relevant task. Aim of this work was to present the functional capabilities and confirm the effectiveness of the developed UIM-1 measuring system for comprehensive study of mechanical properties of materials using the instrumented indentation method. Method is based on the continuous recording of the "contact force – penetration depth" diagram. The system is equipped with an actuator providing a load of up to 2000 N, a strain gauge force sensor (error ≤ ±1 %), and a photoelectric displacement sensor (resolution 0.1 μm). The implemented measurement procedures comply with ISO 14577-1, STB 2495-2017, GOST 22761-77 and GOST 22762-77. Analysis of the indentation diagram allows determining Brinell and Rockwell hardness without optical measurement of the imprint, elastic modulus (70–200 GPa), ultimate tensile strength (380– 1700 MPa), creep, relaxation, plasticity and anisotropy coefficient. The UIM-1 system is a versatile nondestructive testing tool that provides a set of interrelated mechanical characteristics of materials within a single test.

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