hardness
The effect of an electric current on the nanoindentation behavior of tin
Electrical–thermal–mechanical interactions determine the reliability and performance of microelectromechanical devices and systems.
Using the nanoindentation technique the effect of an electric current on the indentation deformation of Sn strips was studied for an
indentation load in the range 50–200 lN. During the indentation an electric current density in the range 993.05–4087.89 A cm2
was
passed through the Sn strips, which introduced electrical–thermal–mechanical interactions. The experimental results showed that the
Harder than diamond: Rhenium diboride
In the recent issue of Science, researchers from UCLA (Chung et al) report on an ambient pressure synthesis (using arc melting) of a compound, namely, rhenium diboride, which is superhard. Apparently, the material leaves scratch marks on the surface of diamond. Here is the abstract of the paper:
Experiment 2: Mechanical Testing- Impact & Hardness Testing
The mechanical properties of materials are ascertained by performing carefully designed laboratory experiments that replicate, as nearly as practical, the service conditions.