Abstract
The most prominent effect of the weakest link theory, which is used to derive the Weibull statistics of ceramic strength, is the size effect. In this study, we analyze the size effect on ceramic strength using the finite element analysis (FEA) methodology previously proposed by the authors. In the FEA methodology, the data of the microstructure distribution (i.e., relative density, size, and aspect ratio of the pore and the grain size) are considered as input parameters of a continuum damage model via a fracture mechanical model. Specifically, we examine five sizes of rectangular specimens under three types of loading conditions. Then, we simulate the fracture stresses of sets of 30 specimens under each size and loading condition and obtain the relationship between the scale parameter and effective volume using the Weibull distribution. The results suggest that the proposed FEA methodology can be applied to the analysis of the fracture probability of ceramics, including the size effect.
Highlights
Ceramic matrix composites are lightweight and exhibit excellent heat resistance and oxidation resistance
The probabilistic fracture behavior of ceramics is due to brittle fractures originating from inherent
The authors proposed a finite element analysis (FEA) methodology that predicts the scatter in ceramic strength based on microstructure data
Summary
Ceramic matrix composites are lightweight and exhibit excellent heat resistance and oxidation resistance. These defects are caused by sintering processes or subsequent processing, and their distribution characteristics may be different even for products of the same lot For this reason, the scatter in fracture strength emerges for each specimen or structural components. A numerical method of predicting the scatter in strength, which reflects the distribution of the defects generated in materials during manufacturing processes, is required. The authors proposed a finite element analysis (FEA) methodology that predicts the scatter in ceramic strength based on microstructure data (relative density, defect distribution, grain size distribution, etc.) [15]. The information of the microstructure distribution obtained through image observation is represented by various probability density functions This allows for strength analysis based on the FEM by indirectly reflecting the parameters of a continuum damage model via a fracture mechanics model. It is possible to consider only the fractures that start from internal flaws [16,17]
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