Experimental investigation on high strain rate compressive response of a ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic

Abstract

AbstractThe dynamic compression tests were conducted on a ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite (ZrB2‐SiC‐G) ceramic from the strain rate of 904–3136 s–1 using the split Hopkinson pressure bar. The effects of strain rate on the compressive strength, critical strain, stress–strain relation, and fracture pattern were discussed from the experimental results. The results showed that the dynamic compressive response of this ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic was obviously related to the strain rate at higher strain rates. At the strain rate of 3136 s–1, the dynamic compressive strength, critical strain, and toughness of the ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic increased to 1747 MPa, 0.0423, and 69.48 × 106 J/m3, respectively. As the strain rate increased, the dynamic compressive strength and critical strain increased linearly, and the damage became more significant. Moreover, the energy absorption of the ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic linearly increased with the strain rate, causing the ZrB2‐SiC‐G ceramic fractured into numerous smaller fragments at higher strain rates.