Analysis of R-curve behavior of non-phase-transforming ceramics

https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7944(88)90110-5Get rights and content

Abstract

An analysis is presented of the phenomenon of increased crack resistance with crack growth (R-curve behavior) exhibited by ceramics such as alumina, which do not undergo phase-transformation in the process and by ceramic-matrix composites. These materials contain a wake of unbroken ligaments and crack bridges, and these are modeled in this paper to account for R-curve behavior. The analysis is based on a modified Dugdale strip yield model. Various sizes and geometries of specimens are analysed, and a small-scale yielding estimation is also presented. Good correlation is obtained between predicted and experimental R-curve behavior. The model is also used to predict the dependence of saturation fracture toughness on grain size.

References (38)

  • R.G. Hoagland et al.

    Influence of microstructure on fracture propagation in rock

    Rock Mech.

    (1973)
  • M.V. Swain

    R-curve behavior of magnesia partially stabilized zirconia and its significance to thermal shock

  • S.J. Burns et al.

    Fracture toughness of MgO-partially-stabilized-ZrO2 specimens with KR-curve behavior from transformation toughening

    J. Am. Ceram. Soc.

    (1986)
  • R. McMeeking et al.

    Mechanisms of transformation toughening in brittle materials

    J. Am. Ceram. Soc.

    (1982)
  • R.J. Seyler et al.

    A thermodynamic approach to fracture toughness in PSZ

  • I.W. Chen et al.

    Implications of transformation plasticity in ZrO2 containing ceramics—I shear and dilatation effects

    J. Am. Ceram. Soc.

    (1986)
  • R. Knehans et al.

    Memory effect of crack resistance during slow crack growth in notched Al2O3 bend specimens

    J. Mater. Sci. Letters

    (1982)
  • R. Knehans et al.
  • H. Weininger et al.

    Crack resistance curves of alumina and zirconia at room temperature

    J. Mater. Sci.

    (1986)
  • Cited by (29)

    • On the local crack resistance of Al <inf>2</inf>O <inf>3</inf>-TiC composites evaluated by direct indentation method

      2001, Journal of the European Ceramic Society
      Citation Excerpt :

      The concept of a crack resistance that increases with the length of the crack, i.e. R-curve behavior, has been well established for ceramics systems during the past decades.1–5

    • Effect of local elastic softening on crack extension

      1995, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics
    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text