Simulation of the indentation of metals

Metals are among the most widely used structural materials known to man, and in many applications, the key to their usefulness is their unique combination of mechanical properties. The test most commonly used to determine the mechanical properties of metals is the indentation hardness test in which an indenter of a specified shape is forced into the surface of the specimen under carefully controlled conditions. Measurements made of the impression remaining after the indenter is removed are used to calculate a hardness number which is an indicator of the mechanical properties of the specimen.