Tip Area Function

Use the Tip Area Function tab when you want to calibrate the tip area function from a reference dataset, typically fused silica.

Inputs

• a reference file

• material parameters

• fitting range and TAF settings

Typical steps

1. Load the fused silica reference file.

2. Set the material and tip parameters.

3. Choose the fitting range.

4. Run the TAF calibration.

5. Inspect the generated plots.

6. Copy the calibrated TAF into the reference fields if needed.

Outputs to inspect

Important outputs include:

• frame stiffness plot

• TAF plot

• hardness and modulus plots

• interactive weight w plot

Key plots

The most informative plots in this workflow are:

• the TAF plot, to judge the fitted area function

• the frame stiffness plot, to check stability of the calibration

• the hardness and modulus plots, to see whether the calibrated TAF behaves reasonably over depth

• the weight w plot, to inspect how the fitting weight is distributed

Common problems

Typical issues include:

• using the wrong reference dataset

• choosing a fitting range that is too narrow or unstable

• copying an outdated TAF into later tabs

• accepting a fit without checking the weight w and hardness/modulus plots

Next step

After TAF is calibrated, the usual next step is Frame Compliance or directly Hardness and Young’s Modulus, depending on your workflow.