Failure modes in low density aluminous cement bonded composites

Abstract

Acoustic emission analysis showed that the failure of some low density aluminous cement bonded perlite composites cannot be explained adequately using the classical Griffith type approach in which it is assumed that failure is caused by the catastrophic propagation of the most severe flaw. It was found that the general concept of cumulative weakening could be applied to the failure of these composites. A change in failure mode from that of cumulative weakening to Griffith type fracture occurred when the bulk density of the composite was greater than about 1.6 lb/bd ft and/or the cement content of the material was greater than approximately 30%. In addition, microscopic examination showed a change in fracture surface morphology from primarily interparticle failure at low density or low cement contents to primarily transparticle failure at high density or high cement content.