CORSICA will warn you when the surface roughness values reach a critical level. The image below demonstrates the visual effect of surface roughness on the profile.
If the surface roughness is significant relative to the magnitude of the pile-up, it can have an effect on the inferred plasticity properties.
To avoid this, it is suggested that the sample surface is prepared to at least the following before indentation:
-
P1200 grit grind for 1 mm and 0.5 mm radius tips
- P2500 grit grind for 0.25 mm radius tips