A new theory of gravitation

Abstract
A spherical indenter loaded statically or dynamically into contact with the surface of a brittle material produces a well-defined ring crack. This phenomenon, when interpreted by the Hertz theory of elastic contact, provides a convenient test for the strength of the material. If the elastic modulus of the indenter is different from that of the test material, e.g. a steel indenter in contact with a glass surface, frictional forces are brought into play at the interface which modify the Hertz distribution of contact stress. This effect has been examined both theoretically and experimentally. An indenter which is more rigid than the test surface is shown to lead to an apparent increase in fracture strength of the material, a less rigid indenter has the opposite effect. Static and dynamic tests of plate glass showed a consistent increase in apparent fracture stress of about 50% using spherical steel indenters compared with glass indenters. This increase agrees well with the influence of friction upon the Hertzian stress calculated theoretically. The average radius of the ring cracks produced by steel indenters was observed to be greater than that produced by glass indenters, an effect of friction also predicted by the theory. Secondary ring cracks of smaller radius have frequently been observed during unloading of a steel indenter. These were not found when a glass indenter was used and an explanation is suggested in terms of the frictional effect which arises from a difference in elasticity between the indenter and the test surface.

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