LLE Review, Volume 73 45 In cold processing of optical glasses by microgrinding,1,2 the resulting brittle-material-removal rate induces a cracked layer near the glass surface, referred to as subsurface damage (SSD). [Editor’s note: The acronym for subsurface damage (SSD) used in this article should not be confused with its more common use as an acronym for smoothing by spectral dispersion.] In ...

Micro-indentation is widely used in evaluating the mechanical properties of ceramics. It is also an important measure in the study of machinability of brittle materials. Because of the complexity of interaction in the vicinity of the contact zone between the indenter and work material, an analytical or experimental method is unable to predict the detailed evolution process of deformation. With ...

The classical applications of Weibull statistical theory of size effect in quasi-brittle structures such as reinforced concrete structures, rock masses, ice plates, or tough ceramic parts are heing reexamined in light of recent results. After a brief review of the statistical weakest-link model. distinctions between structures that fail hy initiation of macroscopic crack growth (metal structure...

DieMag633, a cast Mg-Al-Ba-Ca alloy, was the focus of this study. Brittle interdendritic phases strongly influenced crack initiation and propagation under quasi-static fatigue loading. Especially tensile loading, material showed low resistance to failure. Selected loading sequences were applied investigate their influence on propagation. DieMag633 in study contained shrinkage cavities pores sig...

A generalized method for characterizing mechanical stresses in brittle materials during crack tip propagation is presented. This approach was derived from classical fracture mechanics and is therefore mechanism independent and applies to any isotropic brittle material, including glasses, fine grained ceramics or metals, and high stiffness polymers. A practical implementation demonstrates the me...