Strength Degradation of Brittle Surfaces: Sharp Indenters

A theory of strength loss for brittle surfaces in contact situations, developed in a previous paper for “blunt” indenters, is extended to the case of “sharp” indenters. A prior fracture mechanics analysis of crack growth beneath ideal cone indenters serves as the basis for predetermining the prospective surface degradation of ceramic components in service. Compared to blunt indenters, sharp indenters can cause severe degradation at lower contact loads. However, at high loads, the extent of degradation becomes remarkably insensitive to details in the indenter geometry. Essential theoretical predictions are verified by bend tests on glass slabs. Effects of indenter “sharpness” and initial specimen surface flaw state are investigated systematically, along with some secondary rate effects in the contact process. The possibility of minimizing degradation via adjustment of material parameters (including hardness) or surface condition (e.g. residual stresses, frictional properties) is briefly discussed.