Role of damage mechanics in nanoindentation of lamellar bone at multiple sizes: Experiments and numerical modeling

► Indentation modulus of lamellar bone subject to nanoindentation tests decreases with the penetration depth. ► Contact stiffness decreases with decreasing indentation force upon unloading. ► We use a Continuum Damage model to predict the contact stiffness decrease on the unloading branches. ► Continuum Damage models can also predict the decrease of indentation modulus with increasing penetration depth. ► The nanoindentation experiments carried out at multiple penetration depths have been successfully simulated with finite element models.