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Toughening of brittle solids by martensitic transformations

Journal Article · · Acta Metall.; (United States)

A review of toughening mechanisms in transformable brittle solids is presented. Primary emphasis is given to transformation toughening, although microcrack and deflection toughening are also considered. Models of toughness are developed using concepts from applied mechanics, but within the context of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the transformation process. The predictions are compared with experimental data for various ZrO/sub 2/ containing ceramic alloys. The predominant toughening mechanism depends on composition and microstructure; dilatational transformation toughening with shear modifications dominates in partially stabilized zirconia; uniaxial transformation and microcrack mechanisms prevail in zirconia alumina; transformation toughening with partial reversibility in tetragonal zirconia polycrystals.

Research Organization:
College of Engineering, Univ. of California, Santa Barbara, CA (US)
OSTI ID:
6964794
Journal Information:
Acta Metall.; (United States), Journal Name: Acta Metall.; (United States) Vol. 34:5; ISSN AMETA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English