Microcrack toughening in ceramic composites. [Experimental/theoretical study]
This study explores microcracking effects on the mechanical behavior of ceramic materials using experimental analyses coupled with the theoretical predictions. Microcracking phenomena were analyzed both macroscopically and microscopically. SiC-TiB{sub 2} composites with different volume fractions and particle sizes of TiB{sub 2} were chosen to explore the stress-induced microcracking phenomena. Nonlinear stress-strain curves measured using uniaxial tensile tests provided the information on the critical stress for microcracking and the release of residual strain due to stress-induced microcracking. R-curves were measured using the double cantilever beam (DCB) test and showed the various contributions to toughening. The microcracks in SiC-TiB{sub 2} DCB specimens were statistically characterized using TEM quantitative analyses. The microcrack characteristics were found to be consistent with the macroscopic phenomena; nonlinear stress-strain behavior and R-curve behavior. The stress criterion for microcracking was found to be the maximum principal stress.
- Research Organization:
- Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 7039403
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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