Influence of the Interface and Residual Stresses on the Apparent Fracture Toughness of Layered Ceramic Composites Based on Alumina-Zirconia

This paper deals with the fracture behaviour of layered ceramic composite with residual stresses. The main goal is to investigate the effect of residual stresses and material interfaces on crack propagation by more complex 3D finite element models. The crack behaviour was described by analytical procedures based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and generalized LEFM. The influence of laminate composition with residual stresses on critical values for crack propagation through the laminate interfaces was also determined. Good agreement has been found to exist between numerical results and experimental data. The results obtained can be used for a design of new layered composites with improved resistance against crack propagation.