Micromechanics of Nanoindentation

The properties of many modern metallic materials are obtained through a
defined micro structural treatment. The grain size of a steel
influences its macroscopic material behavior to a considerable extent.
Nanoindentation technics are a possibility to examine the micro
mechanical coherences. The goal of this project is a proper simulation
of a nanoindentation test into a poly crystalline metal. In order to model the
occuring size effects, it is necessary to implement a  model for gradient crystal
plasticity and grain boundary behavior.