🎯 Aim and Scope

Local mechanical testing has become an essential tool in materials science because many modern materials are structurally and chemically heterogeneous at small length scales, which play a key role in their macro-mechanical behaviour.

The conference aims to provide a high-level platform for materials scientists to present their latest research, exchange ideas in the field of mechanical testing of materials at the micro- and nano-scale (e.g. nanoindentation, micropillar/microcantilever testing), and discuss where the field may be heading next. The emphasis is placed on both the latest developments on small-scale testing methods and on their use in combination with other advanced structural characterisation techniques and modelling approaches. These correlative methods could reveal details that are not obvious from any single approach alone.

The programme is not limited to formal presentations. Following the long-term tradition of this conference series, the meeting offers a friendly and stimulating environment to establish new collaborations and strengthen existing ones, complemented by social activities.

🔬 Topics

• Advances in nanoindentation (high-throughput, high-temperature, etc.)
• Properties of 2D and 1D materials (coatings, fibres, etc.)
• Small-scale testing of hard and brittle materials (ceramics and glasses)
• Correlative micro/nanomechanical testing with advanced microscopy and acoustic emission
• Micromechanical modelling using multi-scale and AI/ML simulations
• Local mechanical testing of biomaterials, irradiated materials, microelectronics and polymers