Ultra-low load multiple indentation response of materials: In purview of wiresaw slicing and other free abrasive machining (FAM) processes

Effect of multiple simultaneous indentations on material's response is studied in purview of wiresaw slicing and other free abrasive machining (FAM) processes using finite element method. In the previous studies of FAM, especially the rolling–indenting process pertaining to wiresaw, single-abrasive indentation model has been employed. In this paper, we extend the study and modeling to multiple indenters in order to study the interaction between the indenters. It is shown in this paper that for silicon as the spacing between the abrasives decreases, the load required to achieve a prescribed depth of indentation decreases. Simulations are carried out for a perfectly sharp tip and an indenter with a tip radius of 2μm. Impact of multiple simultaneous indentation on the profile of indentation and mean contact pressure is also presented. Influence of the proposed model of multiple simultaneous indentations on the material's response and thus, the FAM processes, is primarily governed by two factors: the load acting on the indenters, and the spacing between the indenters.