Edge-Crack Resistance Curves in Supercritical Ceramics

The growth of edge cracks in zirconia‐reinforced ceramics is analyzed theoretically with the „supercritical” transformation model. The injection of an initial edge crack by a damage process is modeled in an approximate manner. Subsequent crack growth under the application of a remote tensiles stress models the evolution of the transformed region as the crack advances. For the range of initial crack sizes considered, „nominal” resistance curves depend strongly on a transformation‐toughening parameter. The analysis may have a bearing on the indentation/bend method of testing fracture toughnesses.