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A method for dynamic fracture initiation testing of ceramics

Journal Article · · J. Eng. Mater. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3226057· OSTI ID:5737672

An experimental method is described whereby the dynamic fracture initiation toughness of ceramics and ceramic composites can be measured in pure tension or pure torsion at stress intensity factor rates of 10/sup 5/ to 10/sup 6/ MPa/Lambda/m/s. In this procedure, circumferentially notched cylindrical rods are subjected to uniaxial cyclic compression at room temperature to introduce a self-arresting, concentric Mode I fatigue pre-crack, following the technique presented. Subsequently, dynamic fracture initiation is effected by stress wave loading with a sharp-fronted pulse which subjects the specimen to a dynamic load inducing either Mode I or Mode III fracture. Instrumentation appropriate to the loading mode provides a record of average stress at the fracture site as a function of time. The capability of this method to yield highly reproducible dynamic fracture initiation toughness values for ceramics is demonstrated with the aid of experiments conducted on a polycrystalline aluminum oxide. Guidelines for the dynamic fracture initiation testing of ceramics and ceramic composites are discussed.

Research Organization:
Brown Univ., Providence, RI (USA). Dept. of Engineering
OSTI ID:
5737672
Journal Information:
J. Eng. Mater. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Eng. Mater. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 110:4; ISSN JEMTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English