Analysis and modeling for time-dependent behavior of polymers exhibited in nanoindentation tests

Through the arrangement of the applied load, experimental nanoindentation results of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyurethane (PU) employed to establish a mechanical model. The proposed model consists of irreversible delayed plastic (viscoplastic) deformation, irreversible viscous deformation, and reversible delayed elastic (viscoelastic) deformations. The phase lag exhibited between the responding depth and the oscillating load is found to be linear proportional to frequency in the range of 1–50 Hz. The residual cavity profile of the PMMA scanned by an atomic force microscope gives a validity of accommodation assumption applied in the present model. The effects of overshooting, which occurred in the dwelling process, are also discussed.