Propagation Regularity of Sub-surface Crack in Static Indentation of Fused Silica by Single Abrasive

Based on the ultra-precision grinder, an experimental platform for single abrasive indentation was built to investigate the effect of single abrasive particle on the fused silica optical element in the grinding process. In the paper, the process of crack formation and propagation in the element was analyzed. Two crack growth nuclei were formed on both sides of the indentation point just after indentation. With the increase of the indentation depth, the crack size increased and those two crack growth nuclei joined together, and the longitudinal cracks torn and extended to the interior of the material. Experiments were carried out at different indentation depths, and the variation of force with indentation depth was obtained. The crack morphology was measured by microscopy, and the variation of transverse crack radius and longitudinal crack depth with indentation depth was obtained. The results had important engineering significance for improving the grinding process.