(Solved): (b) The two loading/displacement curves shown below were obtained by nanoindentation tests of surf ...

(b) The two loading/displacement curves shown below were obtained by nanoindentation tests of surfaces of two different materials, " \( A \) " and " \( B \) ", using a diamond indenter. During the experiments, a 5 minute holding time was applied to both materials at the maximum load. The marks on the two materials created by the indenter have the same size and area. (i) Which material exhibits a larger creeping behaviour? (ii) Which material is tougher? (iii) Which material is harder? Give reasons for your answers to parts i-iii above. (10 marks)