L1₂ intermetallic compounds are essential components of the superalloys used in jet engine turbines. Their exceptional mechanical properties at high temperatures originate from the so-called strength anomaly, which has received wide attention since the 1970s. However, most investigations were performed at moderate strain rates and it is still unclear whether the anomalous behavior endures at high velocities, e.g. during a collision.

Nanoindentation is a versatile method for measuring the microscopic mechanical properties of materials under non-ambient temperatures, albeit only at slow strain rates < 0.1 s^-1. Recent developments have increased the permissible constant strain rate to 100 s^-1 at room temperature.

Here, both capabilities are combined in order to investigate the influence of high strain rates on the strength anomaly of L1₂ intermetallic compounds.

From nanoindentation measurements on Ni₃Si under varied temperature and strain rate conditions, it is concluded that the anomalous range is extended under high strain rate conditions.