Depths of cracks produced by abrasion of brittle materials

Journal article

A simple analysis, based on indentation fracture mechanics, has been used to study the likely maximum depths of cracks normal to the surface in a ceramic material subjected to abrasion by hard particles. The analysis shows that the cracks are likely to be of depths comparable to, and in most cases slightly less than, the diameter of the abrasive particles. This is consistent with the rather limited available experimental data. The depths of cracks produced decrease with decreasing counterface hardness. For very soft counterfaces, the load applied to the surface being abraded may fall below the minimum required to cause any indentation fracture. For harder counterfaces, a limiting value is reached when the abrading grits become completely embedded in the surface being abraded.

Authors: Roberts, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 101-108
• Publication date: 1998-12-04
• DOI: 10.1016/S1359-6462(98)00403-5
• ISSN: 1359-6462
• Language: English