Nanoindentation Creep Measurement

Creep can be characterized as the result of a solid material that is slowly and permanently deformed under the influence of stress. Deformation results from the consistent stress below the yield strength of the material. The amount of applied stress and its duration can eventually lead to the failure of the given material. Ultimately, it is for this reason that Nanoindentation creep measurement provides crucial information to study material behavior. More importantly, nano & micro advances with materials require mechanical characterization unattainable through traditional Creep measurement methods intended for largebulk materials.
http://www.nanovea.com/Application%20Notes/nanocreepmeasurement.pdf