Anisotropic plastic deformation beneath surface step during nanoindentation of FCC Al by multiscale analysis

► We have modeled nanoindentation process into stepped surface by the multiscale method. ► We investigated the anisotropic plastic deformation beneath surface step. ► The microscopic mechanisms of various step orientations are visualized and compared. ► The load-displacement responses under different orientations are analyzed and discussed. ► The concept of geometrically necessary displacement is proposed to describe step flatting process.