Thermal Shock Testing and the Problem of Standardisation

Abstract

Over the last few years there have been considerable advances in the preparation of standardised methods of testing advanced technical ceramics aimed at improving the basis for measuring and comparing properties, improved information for design purposes, and for the preparation of specifications. One of the problem areas concerns thermal stress resistance and thermal shock. There is an incompatibility between the wide variation in thermal stress resistance requirements of existing and potential end uses of ceramics and the need in a standard to specify precise test methods. This problem is reviewed in relation to the establishment of a European pre-norm.