The design of accurate micro-compression experiments

We investigate (via finite-element analyses) the factors that may affect the accuracy of micro-compression measurements (see, e.g., Uchic et al. [Uchic MD, Dimiduk DM, Florando JN, Nix WD. Science 2004;305:986]). Based on these simulations, we suggest guidelines for the development of accurate micro-compression experiments in terms of fillet to post radius ratio, post aspect ratio, post taper, and system alignment.