A Spherical Indentation Study on the Mechanical Response of Selected Rocks in the Range from Very Hard to Soft with Particular Interest to Drilling Application

The focus of this work is toward an investigation of the mechanical response of a variety of rocks to indentation loading as a close condition to drilling application. A rock classification method is introduced based on the mechanical response of the rock when loaded by a spherical indenter. Spherical shape is selected for the indenter as a common geometry, which to some extent represents most of the new or worn inserts in drill bits. Both of the force–penetration and fragmentation responses are studied and the results are categorized accordingly. Indentation loading of a quasi-brittle medium like rock contains a complex three-dimensional stress state, in which the compressive strength, tensile strength, compaction behavior and the brittleness of the rock all together are reflected in its mechanical response. Therefore, depending on the type of the rock and its properties, this response is also very diverse for different rocks. Eight types of rocks are investigated and the results from the force–penetration and fragmentation responses are summarized into three different classes.