On the Load Dependence of Micro-Hardness Measurements: Analysis of Data by Different Models and Evaluation of Measurement Errors

The influence of applied loads between 0.09807 N and 0.9807 N on measured values of micro-hardness was evaluated by Meyer’s index n, proportional specimen resistance model (PSR) and Hays – Kendall methods, Total Dispersion Zone and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The measurement was repeated 6 times using the same hardness reference block with standard hardness Hc = 327 HV0.05 as a sample. The influence of the load on the measured value of micro-hardness is statistically significant, and the relationship between applied load and micro-hardness manifests reverse indentation size effect (ISE) for most of “measurements”. The high value of the uncertainty of results can affect the existence and nature of ISE, especially at low loads.