A Continuum Theory of Crack Shielding in Ceramics

Abstract : A phenomenological constitutive model is proposed which aims at describing the overall effect of microfracture in ceramics. Based on this model, the asymptotic stress, strain and displacement fields at the tip of a stationary macroscopic crack are determined in closed form. The near-tip stress-intensity factor is computed and observed to be significantly smaller than the applied stress-intensity factor even for moderate amounts of damage. (Author)