Determination of the elastic and plastic deformation behaviors of Yb:Y3Al5O12 transparent ceramic by nanoindentation

The elastic and plastic deformation behaviors of ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) transparent ceramics which affect its machinability were investigated by nanoindentation and in situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM) measuring method. This work aimed at studying the influence of applied load on the resistance to plasticity. It showed that the resistance to plasticity decreased with increasing the applied load, and the ductile machining became easier. But when the applied load exceeded 8 mN, microcracks were observed around the nanoindentation. Meanwhile, the indentation size effect was also analyzed for both measured nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus. The true hardness was determined based on the proportional specimen resistance (PSR). This study lends credence to the realization of manufacture for high surface quality for Yb:YAG transparent ceramic in abrasive machining.