Abstract
It is shown that for a variety of ceramics the threshold for microfracture during elastic-plastic indentation corresponds to radial, rather than subsurface median, crack formation. This is contrary to the fundamental assumption of current models for threshold crack nucleation by sharp indenters. The significance of this observation in terms of strength reduction is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
B. R. Lawn andA. G. Evans,J. Mater. Sci. 12 (1977) 2195.
J. T. Hagan,ibid. 14 (1979) 2975.
J. Lankford andD. L. Davidson,ibid. 14 (1979) 1662.
Idem, ibid. 14 (1979) 1669.
J. T. Hagan andM. V. Swain,J. Phys. D 11 (1978) 2091.
B. R. Laen, T. Jensen andA. Arora,J. Mater. Sci. 11 (1976) 573.
T. P. Dabbs, D. B. Marshall andB. R. Lawn,J. Amer. Ceram. Soc. 63 (1980) 224.
D. Broek, “Elementary Engineering Fracture Mechanics” (Noordhoff Publishing Co., Leiden, 1974).
C. M. Perrott,Wear 45 (1977) 293.
S. S. Chiang, D. B. Marshall andA. G. Evans, unpublished work.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lankford, J. Threshold microfracture during elastic-plastic indentation of ceramics. J Mater Sci 16, 1177–1182 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01033828
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01033828