Size effect in the micro- and nanoindentation and its compensation with regard for the specific features of initial contact

The diagram of penetration recorded in the course indentation is represented in the form of a quadratic function with the origin of coordinates shifted to the left along the abscissa. This models the smooth character of penetration of an indenter in its initial contact with the surface. The recorded depth of penetration increases by the length of the shift. The application of the quadratic function and the corrected depth of penetration guarantees that the values of hardness are constant under various loads. Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 2, pp. 43–54, March–April, 2009.