The Fracture of Brittle Materials: Testing and Analysis

Provides a modern, practical approach to the understanding and measurement procedures relevant to the fracture of brittle materials

This book examines the testing and analysis of the fracture of brittle materials. Expanding on the measurement and analysis methodology contained in the first edition, it covers the relevant measurements (toughness and strength), material types, fracture mechanics, measurement techniques, reliability and lifetime predictions, microstructural considerations, and material/test selection processes appropriate for the analysis of the fracture behavior of brittle materials.  

The Fracture of Brittle Materials: Testing and Analysis, Second Edition summarizes the concepts behind the selection of a test procedure for fracture toughness and strength, and goes into detail on how the statistics of fracture can be used to assure reliability. It explains the importance of the role of microstructure in these determinations and emphasizes the use of fractographic analysis as an important tool in understanding why a part failed. The new edition includes a significant quantity of material related to the fracture of biomaterials, and features two new chapters―one on thermal shock, the other on the modeling of the fracture process. It also expands on a discussion of how to treat the statistics of fracture strength data to ensure reliability.

• Provides practical analysis of fracture toughness and strength
• Introduces the engineering and materials student to the basic concepts necessary for analyzing brittle fracture
• Contains new statistical analysis procedures to allow for the prediction of the safe design of brittle components
• Contains real-world examples to assist the reader in applying the concepts to their own research, material development, and quality-control needs

The Fracture of Brittle Materials: Testing and Analysis, Second Edition is an important resource for all students, technicians, engineers, scientists, and researchers involved in the study, analysis, creation, or testing of ceramics.

STEPHEN W. FREIMAN, PHD, began his career as a research engineer in the ceramics division of IIT, then in several positions at ONR, NRL, and NIST, culminating in service as the Chief of the Ceramics Division, then Deputy Director for the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory at NIST.

JOHN J. MECHOLSKY, JR., PHD, is Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida. He was previously at the Penn State University, Sandia National Laboratories and has worked as a research engineer at various Navy laboratories including NRL. He has served as Associate Director of Materials at ONR London.