A micromechanically motivated finite element approach to the fracture toughness of silicon nitride

  • Autor:

    Wippler, J; Fett, T; Boehlke, T ; Hoffmann, M. J.

  • Quelle:

    JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Band 33, Heft 10, S. 1729-1736, DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2013.01.013

  • Datum: September 2013

Abstract

Silicon nitride is often used, when high fracture toughness and strength is needed. For a safe and economic structural design with this material, a prediction of its resistance against thermal and mechanical loads is important. The finite element method together with a continuum damage mechanics model allows for such calculations. The parameters of the suggested model have been adjusted to three-dimensional micromechanical finite element simulations, which include models for the microstructure, the thermoelasticity and the fracture. The material model is used for four-point bend test simulations. The results are compared to recent experiments.