Crack growth resistance under thermal shock loading of alumina

Thermal shock experiments, conducted in an apparatus in which all the parameters can be controlled, are modelled by a two dimensional cooling model, allowing a precise determination of the induced stress intensity factors (SIF). Fracture mechanics analysis in terms of stress intensity factors is applied to determine R-curve behaviour of indentation cracks in alumina materials subjected to thermal shock. The instant of unstable crack growth was obtained by acoustic emission (AE). As in bending tests, the coarse grained material showed a more pronounced R-curve behaviour than the fine grained material. The results are discussed considering the influence of the R-curve behaviour on the retained strength after thermal shock.