Papers by Keyword: R-Curve

Abstract: Applications of above-coercive electric fields lead to domain switching of a large or global scale. Large scale switching model is proposed to deal with load-induced domains witching in experiment. Both a discussion of crack initiation via the stress intensity factor and a discussion of crack path stability via T-stress are presented. The theoretical predictions and the experimental data roughly coincide for crack initiation, propagation and stability phenomena. Attention is also extended to consider the effect of non-uniform ferro-elastic domain switching in the vicinity of a crack. The domain switching zone is divided into a saturated inner core and an active surrounding annulus. Toughening for ferroelectrics with different poling states is estimated via Reuss type approximation. Solutions obtained according to spherical and cylindrical inclusions cover the range of experimental data.

Abstract: In order to apply a reduced activation ferritic (JLF-1) steel to the blanket/first-wall structure of a fusion reactor, its fracture toughness is very important for the strict estimation of material life. Fracture toughness testing of irradiated materials requires the use of miniaturised specimens and evaluation of TIG welding (tungsten inert gas arc welding) weldment properties is an important issue because necessary for production of nuclear fusion reactors. In this study, the fracture toughness tests were carried out according to the ASTM E1820-99. It was performed on various sizes (ligament and thickness) and various side-grooves of specimens and the TIG welding joint of JLF-1. The test results showed the standard specimen with side-groove of 40% represented valid fracture toughness. Fracture resistance curve (R-curve) increased with increasing specimen ligament and decreased with increasing specimen thickness. However, the R-curve of half size specimen was similar to that of the standard (1inch thickness) specimen. The fracture toughness test results of the TIG welded specimen showed a slight increase in the TIG welded specimen compared with JLF-1 base metal specimen.

Abstract: The propagation of cracks in graded materials under monotonic and cyclic loading was investigated via experiment and simulation. Graded alumina/epoxy composite specimens exhibiting a variation in composition from 5% to 65% epoxy, representing a twenty-fold variation in Young’s modulus, across a region of width between 6 and 20 mm, were produced by a multistep infiltration technique. Crack initiation and propagation under monotonic and cyclic four-point bend loading was monitored and crack trajectories and growth rates were measured. Initial crack deflection was observed, in agreement with theoretical and computational predictions in the literature. Cracks exhibited further deviation as they traversed the graded region. Higher deflection angles were observed for specimens with steeper gradients, and for those with cracks initially located closer to the compliant side of the gradient. Homogeneous specimens in the composition range 5% to 55% epoxy were also produced to investigate the composition dependence of mechanical, fracture and fatigue properties for aluminaepoxy composites. Crack propagation resistance appeared to differ between monotonic and cyclic loading, though an increase with crack extension was observed in both cases. The significant variation in measured crack-propagation resistance, for cracks in graded specimens, was accordingly interpreted as a combination of crack-extension effect and spatial variation of both intrinsic and extrinsic crack-growth resistance. A finite element model has been developed to simulate the propagation process, with particular attention paid to crack propagation and deflection criteria. Results from homogeneous specimens were utilised for estimating spatial property distribution and crack-extension effects in the graded specimens. Experimental results for crack path and crack-growth resistance profile show good agreement with modeling predictions.

Abstract: The effects of h-BN content on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and machinability of Si3N4 ceramics were investigated. The relative density of the sintered compact decreased with increasing BN content. The flexural strength also decreased with h-BN content, mainly due to lower Young’s modulus of h-BN compared to Si3N4. With increasing h-BN content, Si3N4/h-BN based ceramic composites revealed enhanced crack resistance (R-curve) behavior. The Vickers indentation crack paths in specimens are sinusoidal due to bridging and pull out of grains during crack propagation. The grain size of ß-Si3N4 slightly decreased with h-BN content. During milling and micro-drilling process, monolithic Si3N4 ceramic could not be machined, due to brittle fracture. However, thrust forces measured for Si3N4/h-BN composites decreased with increasing h-BN content, showing the excellent macro and micro machinabilty.

Abstract: The base of this paper is exact measurement of deformation and fracture material characteristics in laboratory, evaluation of these parameters and their application in models of finite element analysis modelling the fracture behaviour of components with defects. The base of the work is dealing with ductile fracture of forget steel 42CrMo4. R-curve is modelled by 3D FEM using WARP3D and Abaqus. Crack extension is simulated in sense of element extinction algorithms. Determination of micro-mechanical parameters is based on combination of tensile tests and microscopic observation. Input parameters for the next computation and simulation were received on the base of image analysis, namely fN and fo. The possibility of transferring these parameters to another specimen is discussed.

Abstract: Research activities on deformation and fracture characteristics of the Ti-Al intermetallics have assumed considerable significance in view of many potential applications as high temperature structural materials. These aspects are discussed in respect of two Ti-Al intermetallics with duplex and lamellar structures. The fracture toughness, crack growth resistance and fracture mechanisms are evaluated at room temperature. The differences in the behaviour of the alloys are explained in the light of microstructures as observed for the alloys.

Abstract: It was pointed out that one of the causes of recent failure to launch rocket was due to the fracture of nozzle throat insert made of graphite materials. The relationship between mechanical properties and microfracture process in graphite was not enough analyzed. To ensure the reliability of such aerospace equipment, we considered the necessity of assurance by non-destructive evaluation, evaluation of mechanical property for graphite material and design based on fracture probability. In this study, four-point bending test and fracture toughness test were used to evaluate mechanical properties. Mean strength, Weibull parameters, and R-curve for crack propagation were estimated. AE measurement during tests was performed in order to obtain location and stress of microfracture. AE results were analyzed by stochastic process theory. The result of AE demonstrates that microfracture process during bending test is divided into three stages. AE behavior in fracture toughness test was also closely related to crack propagation.