Deformation Mechanisms in Nanoindentation of Bone

Cortical bone is a hierarchical, composite material composed of mineralized collagen fibrils organized into lamellae and osteons as classically described by Lakes [1]. The inherent heterogeneity and hierarchy of bone tissue makes it an interesting material to study at various size scales using a range of spherical tip sizes in nanoindentation. Further, the prevalence of pointed, Berkovich nanoindenter tips enable researchers to readily generate nanoindentation data. However, other tip geometries and sizes may provide an advantage over the Berkovich tip by enabling a more elastic contact and testing over a range of contact areas and structures.