A method for evaluating the time-dependent failure characteristics of brittle materials — and its application to polycrystalline alumina

A simple method for evaluating stress intensity factor, crack velocity (K, V) diagrams is described. The method is evaluated for the glass/water system and is shown to generate data that are entirely consistent with data obtained on the same system using other techniques. The method is applied to the alumina/water system and the K, V diagrams are used to predict times to failure (Ψ) and effects of strain-rate on strength (σf). The calculated Ψ and σf, are in excellent agreement with available data.