Molecular dynamics simulations on nanoindentation mechanisms of multilayered films

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to study the effects of indention deformation, contact, and adhesion on Al, Ni, and Al/Ni multilayered films. The results show that when the indention depth of the sample increased, the maximum load, plastic energy, and adhesion increased. Jump-contact behavior was observed at the beginning of the loading process. Force relaxation and adhesion took place at the holding depth and during the unloading process, respectively. The glide bands of the interface were on the {1 1 1} 〈1 1 0〉 slip systems and the maximum width of the glide bands was about 1 nm. The mechanical responses of the indented films are also discussed.