Hoop tensile strength testing of small diameter ceramic particles

A method to measure hoop tensile strength of 1-mm-diameter brittle ceramic spheres was demonstrated through the use of a ‘C-sphere’ flexure strength specimen. This innovative specimen geometry was chosen because a simple, monotonically increasing uniaxial compressive force produces a hoop tensile stress at the C-sphere’s outer surface that ultimately initiates fracture. This enables strength quantification and strength-limiting-flaw identification of the sphere itself. Such strength information is relevant to design optimization and durability assessments of ceramic fuel particles and breeder/multiplier pebbles for fusion when particle surfaces are subjected to tensile stresses during their manufacturing or service.