Indentation of an elastic disk on a circular supporting ring

Area of Science:

• Solid Mechanics
• Materials Science
• Applied Physics

Background:

• Thin elastic systems under compression can deform out-of-plane to release strain energy.
• Understanding buckling and wrinkling phenomena is crucial for designing flexible materials and structures.
• Previous studies have explored various buckling modes, but the transition between different deformation patterns requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally and theoretically investigate the indentation of a thin elastic disk supported by a circular ring.
• To identify and characterize the different routes through which compressive stresses are relieved.
• To determine the indentation threshold for the onset of wrinkling versus d-cone formation as a function of system geometry.

Main Methods:

• Experimental indentation tests on elastic disks supported by a ring.
• Theoretical modeling to analyze stress relief mechanisms and deformation patterns.
• Characterization of buckling modes (wrinkles vs. d-cone) and their dependence on the aspect ratio.

Main Results:

• Compressive stress relief occurs via two distinct pathways: widespread buckling (wrinkles) or localized deformation (d-cone).
• The system's aspect ratio significantly influences the preferred stress relief mechanism.
• A critical indentation threshold was identified, distinguishing between the formation of wrinkles and d-cones.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the dual nature of stress relief in thin elastic disks under indentation.
• The findings provide a quantitative understanding of the transition between different buckling modes.
• This research contributes to the fundamental knowledge of thin film mechanics and elastic instability.