Abstract
By considering the size distribution of pre-existing flaws and their slow crack growth characteristics, a statistical fracture theory is developed for the time dependence of the strength of brittle materials such as cementitious matrices, glasses and ceramics. Theoretical fracture strength and lifetime predictions in pure-bend specimens subjected to constant stress rates, sustained and cyclic stresses are presented. Both surface flaws and volume flaws are considered in the analyses. The time-to-failure experimental results for a soda-lime glass and a polycrystalline alumina agree well with the statistical fracture theory predictions, but the conventional single-crack analysis is inadequate. A simple energy balance method for the prediction of creep under sustained stresses is also given.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 299-324 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | Philosophical Magazine A: Physics of Condensed Matter, Structure, Defects and Mechanical Properties |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 1988 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- General Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)
- Metals and Alloys