Hardness of Materials: Theory, Testing Methods, and Applications Kindle Edition

This is not just another academic monograph - it is a powerful scientific and practical handbook designed to support any researcher working on a dissertation or scholarly publication. What sets this book apart is the sheer volume of experimental data it contains, data that readers can directly adopt and reference in their own investigations. In essence, it is a treasure trove of experimental studies on the hardness of materials. Within its pages, the author goes beyond summarizing existing methods: he effectively formulates a physical law of hardness, where hardness is numerically equal to the force required to press an indenter into a specimen to create an indentation of unit size. Depending on how that unit size is evaluated, different hardness concepts emerge: depth defines linear hardness (Calvert–Johnson, Rodman, Shore, Rockwell, Barcol, and others); surface area defines surface hardness (Brinell, Vickers, Martens, etc.); projected area defines projected hardness (Meyer, Oliver–Pharr, etc.); and indentation volume defines volumetric hardness (Roussel, Hollnagel, Martel, Speth, and others). This unified vision provides readers with a clear, structured framework for understanding all known methods of hardness testing.Chapter 1 explores the very concept of hardness and the diverse methods used to measure it. Classic approaches such as Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers are covered alongside less common techniques like Barcol and Martens. Special attention is devoted to the indentation size effect, a key phenomenon influencing results at the micro- and nano-scales.Chapter 2 traces the development of hardness determination methods, guiding the reader through the selection of equipment and materials. Here, the author explains in detail how pyramidal, spherical, and sphero-conical indenters are applied to obtain projected, surface, and volumetric hardness. The chapter also highlights cutting-edge instrumentation for nano-, micro-, and macrohardness testing, including new-generation testers that automate and refine measurement processes.Chapter 3 turns to nanohardness, presenting geometric models of the Berkovich pyramid, detailed examinations of reference hardness measures, and advanced methods for evaluating recovered and unrecovered hardness. Numerous experimental curves and tables provide invaluable material for researchers studying thin films, coatings, and nanostructured materials.Chapter 4 focuses on microhardness, analyzing the influence of experimental conditions, material properties, and loading regimes. Rich experimental data on steel, copper, titanium, and coatings are presented in a format ready to be cited in new research. Comparisons between ISO 14577 methods and the author’s own approaches highlight both the limitations of standard practices and potential paths for improvement....Chapter 7 concludes by comparing hardness values obtained through different methods. While direct translation of hardness numbers is often unreliable, the author demonstrates that with the proper coefficients and depth-dependent functions, a universal comparison system can be constructed. This points toward the long-sought unification of macro-, micro-, and nano-hardness within a single theory. This monograph is a practical, indispensable reference uniting theory, practice, and experimental evidence. Offering a wealth of data and insights, it serves as both a guide and toolkit for materials scientists, engineers, and researchers. A true landmark in hardness research, it is essential for any scientific library. Read more