A statistical theory of time-dependent fracture for brittle materials

Abstract By considering the size distribution of pre-existing flaws and their slow crack growth characteristics, a statistical fracture theory is developed for the time dependence of the strength of brittle materials such as cementitious matrices, glasses and ceramics. Theoretical fracture strength and lifetime predictions in pure-bend specimens subjected to constant stress rates, sustained and cyclic stresses are presented. Both surface flaws and volume flaws are considered in the analyses. The time-to-failure experimental results for a soda-lime glass and a polycrystalline alumina agree well with the statistical fracture theory predictions, but the conventional single-crack analysis is inadequate. A simple energy balance method for the prediction of creep under sustained stresses is also given.

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