A Residual Stress Intensity Factor Solution for Knoop Indentation Cracks

The residual stress intensity factors at the surface and at the deepest point of the semi-elliptical Knoop indentation crack is determined from the stresses in the damaged zone below the indenter. For this purpose, the weight function approach by Cruse and Besuner was used and wide-range expressions of the geometric function are given. The solution is then applied to a commercial silicon nitride for which all relevant geometrical data are available.