Fracture and strength of ceramic notched elements under compression

Experimental results of the compression fracture strength of ceramic notched elements are summarized and analyzed in the present paper. The fracture model of ceramic notched elements under compression can be put forward based on Griffith's theory of brittle fracture. It is shown that the fracture of Al2O3 ceramics under compression loading is a typical brittle one induced by tensile stress, irrespective of whether the specimens are with or without a notch. The test results show that the product of the compression notch strength and the stress concentration factor is equal to the compression fracture strength, and the validity of the above-mentioned fracture model is thus checked. Finally, the procedures for predicting the fracture criteria with given survivability for Al2O3 ceramic notched elements can be developed based on the test results and the analysis mentioned above.