Cutter elements with concave recesses and fixed cutter drill bit including same

A cutter element for a fixed cutter drill bit configured to drill a borehole in a subterranean formation, the cutter element comprising:

• a base portion having a central axis, a first end, a second end, and a radially outer surface extending axially from the first end to the second end;
• and
• a cutting layer fixably mounted to the first end of the base portion, wherein the cutting layer includes a cutting face distal the base portion and a radially outer surface extending axially from the cutting face to the radially outer surface of the base portion;
• wherein the cutting face includes a planar surface disposed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis and a concave recess extending axially into the planar surface, wherein the planar surface extends circumferentially about the concave recess, wherein the concave recess is defined by a continuously contoured concave surface that is free of planar surfaces;
• wherein the concave recess has a geometric center in a top view of the cutter element that is intersected by the central axis;
• wherein the concave recess is circular in the top view of the cutter element;
• wherein the concave surface is disposed at a uniform radius of curvature R.