Anomalous Scaling of Fracture Surfaces

We argue that fracture surfaces may exhibit anomalous dynamic scaling properties akin to what occurs in some models of kinetic roughening. We determine the complete scaling behavior of the local fluctuations of a brittle fracture in a granite block from experimental data. We obtain a global roughness exponent $\chi = 1.2$ which differs from the local one, $\chi_{loc} = 0.79$. Implications on fracture physics are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, LateX, 4 figures, uses epsf. Accepted for publication in PR

Fracture toughness and crack-resistance curve behavior in metallic glass-matrix composites

Nonlinear-elastic fracture mechanics methods are used to assess the fracture toughness of bulk metallic glass (BMG) composites; results are compared with similar measurements for other monolithic and composite BMG alloys. Mechanistically, plastic shielding gives rise to characteristic resistance-curve behavior where the fracture resistance increases with crack extension. Specifically, confinement of damage by second-phase dendrites is shown to result in enhancement of the toughness by nearly an order of magnitude relative to unreinforced glass

Whisker-reinforced ceramic composites for heat engine components

Much work was undertaken to develop techniques of incorporating SiC whiskers into either a Si3N4 or SiC matrix. The result was the fabrication of ceramic composites with ever-increasing fracture toughness and strength. To complement this research effort, the fracture behavior of whisker-reinforced ceramics is studied so as to develop methodologies for the analysis of structural components fabricated from this toughened material. The results, outlined herein, focus on the following areas: the use of micromechanics to predict thermoelastic properties, theoretical aspects of fracture behavior, and reliability analysis

Time dependent fracture of polymers

The fracture behavior of polymers is reviewed with emphasis on the time dependent aspects of the problem. Following a delineation of the history of crack propagation investigations in linearly viscoelastic materials, the effects of temperature and solvent environment are examined besides the special effects arising from fatigue loading. These phenomena are examined for both crosslinked and uncrosslinked polymers. Some special consideration is given to the phenomena connected with craze formation in amorphous homopolymers as well as in crystalline materials as exemplified by polyethylene. Finally, status of analytical tools and formulations of fracture problems involving non-linearly viscoelastic material behavior is delineated by means of some examples

Allowable silicon wafer thickness versus diameter for ingot rotation ID wafering

Inner diameter (ID) wafering of ingot rotation reduce the ID saw blade diameter was investigated. The blade thickness can be reduced, resulting in minimal kerf loss. However, significant breakage of wafers occurs during the rotation wafering as the wafer thickness decreases. Fracture mechanics was used to develop an equation relating wafer thickness, diameter and fracture behavior at the point of fracture by using a model of a wafer, supported by a center column and subjected to a cantilever force. It is indicated that the minimum allowable wafer thickness does not increase appreciably with increasing wafer diameter and that fracture through the thickness rather than through the center supporting column limits the minimum allowable wafer thickness. It is suggested that the minimum allowable wafer thickness can be reduced by using a vacuum chuck on the wafer surface to enhance cleavage fracture of the center core and by using 111 ingots

Damage and fracture in composite thin shells

The effect of fiber fracture on the load carrying capability and structural behavior of a composite cylindrical shell under internal pressure is investigated. An integrated computer code is utilized for the simulation of composite structural degradation under loading. Damage initiation, damage growth, fracture progression, and global structural fracture are included in the simulation. Results demonstrate the significance of local damage on the structural durability of pressurized composite cylindrical shells

An experimental and theoretical investigation of plane-stress fracture of 2024-T351 aluminum alloy

Plane-stress fracture behavior of precracked aluminum alloy