ISSN:
1573-4803
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract The characteristics of subcritical crack growth by cyclic fatigue have been examined in a silicon carbide whisker-reinforced alumina composite, with specific reference to the role of load ratio (ratio of minimum to maximum applied stress intensity, R=K min/K max); results are compared with similar subcritical crack-growth data obtained under constant load conditions (static fatigue). Using compact-tension samples cycled at ambient temperatures, cyclic fatigue-crack growth has been measured over six orders of magnitude from ∼10−11–10−5 m cycle−1 at load ratios ranging from 0.05–0.5. Growth rates (da/dN) display an approximate Paris power-law dependence on the applied stress-intensity range (ΔK), with an exponent varying between 33 and 50. Growth-rate behaviour is found to be strongly dependent upon load ratio; the fatigue threshold, ΔK TH, for example, is found to be increased by over 80% at R=0.05 compared to R=0.5. These results are rationalized in terms of a far greater dependency of growth rates on K max(da/dN ∞ K max 30 ) compared to ΔK(da/dN ∞ ΔK 5), in contrast to fatigue behaviour in metallic materials where generally the reverse is true. Micromechanisms of crack advance underlying such behaviour are discussed in terms of timedependent crack bridging involving either matrix grains or unbroken whiskers.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00354244
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