Abstract: In recent years, micro- and nanoindentation testing techniques, with high precision and high throughput, have been widely used for the research on evolution of mechanical properties and deformation behaviors of materials at micro/nano scales. In the field of aerospace material testing, most researchers are interested in how to better reveal engineering performance and better understand the deformation and damage mechanisms of materials in the service environment. Therefore, the micro- and nanoindentation testing systems, which are close to the real service environment (such as high/low temperature and electric/magnetic field) of the material, have greater application potential. In this review, the conventional micro- and nanoindentation testing methods are summarized firstly, including composition of indentation testing systems, classical analytical theories, and indentation scale/size effects. The analytical models on the contact problem of typical magneto-electro-elastic materials in the multi-field coupling environment are briefly described. Next, some typical applications of indentation testing techniques in the real service environment of materials are highlighted, including high/low temperature nanoindentation testing and nanoindentation testing coupling with electric/magnetic field. Major issues and challenges in current development are also discussed, which are meaningful for further development and advanced use of micro- and nanoindentation testing techniques.

Key words: nanoindentation, nanoindentation testing instrument, indentation load-depth curve, high/low temperature, multi-physical field coupling