Whisker reinforced ceramics: Toughening behavior and properties

Conference · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6551712

Becher, P F; Angelini, P; Hsueh, Chun-Way; Tiegs, T N

Several whisker reinforced ceramics exhibit considerably enhanced toughness which is derived from strong bridging whiskers in the crack tip region. Theoretical analyses of crack bridging by whiskers shows that the composite's toughness increases with whisker strength, radius, and volume content, the ratio of the fracture energy of the matrix to that of the whisker-matrix interface, and the ratio of the Young's modulus of the composite to that of the whisker. These features have been confirmed by a variety of experimental results. The observed lack of a temperature dependence for the toughness suggests whisker reinforcement as a most effective means of toughening ceramics. Also in comparison to equiaxed and plate like particles, toughening by whisker additions exhibit both greater fracture toughness and strength. Finally as compared to monolithic ceramics, various other mechanical properties are also significantly improved in the whisker reinforced ceramics. 39 refs., 7 figs.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6551712
• Report Number(s): CONF-881207-1; ON: DE89004181
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360203* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Mechanical Properties
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CERAMICS
CHALCOGENIDES
CRACKS
CRYSTALS
ELASTICITY
FLEXURAL STRENGTH
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MONOCRYSTALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
REINFORCED MATERIALS
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
TENSILE PROPERTIES
WHISKERS