Abstract
► We investigate the detrimental effect of surface cracks, which are typical defects in ceramics. ► Applying the finite element method, we model rolling of a cracked ball. ► By using fracture mechanics, the risk of fatigue crack propagation is estimated. ► Our parametric analysis boosts understanding of fatigue in engineering ceramics. Superior physical properties of engineering ceramics are well recognized in modern technology. However, high brittleness is typical for these materials, which leads to low resistance to crack initiation and propagation. In the silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) balls, whose failure is studied here, the most dangerous pre-existing defect is the so called C-crack – the circumferential surface crack of conical shape, formed during the ball manufacturing process. The finite elements method is used for the simulation of rolling of the cracked ball. By applying the linear elastic fracture mechanics approach, the crack criticality in terms of the stress intensity factors is identified. The parametric study regarding the levels of the contact load, crack shape, depth and friction coefficient between crack's surfaces is presented.
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