A Numerical Model of Whisker Toughening in SiC_w/ZrO_2(6mol%Y_2O_3)Ceramics

Experimental investigation on whisker toughening in SiCw /ZrO2 (6mol%Y2O3 ) ceramics showsthat two main toughening mechanisms, including crack bridging and crack deflection operate simultaneously during crack propagation. A numerical model of whisker toughening was proposedto estimate the combing toughening contribution from crack bridging and crack deflection. Thecalculated results reveal that the load/displacement curve exhibits a zig-zag shape as a result of therepeated crack extension, followed by crack arrest behavior. With increasing whisker content, botho f contributions of crack bridging and crack deflection increase, additionally, the dominant toughening mechanism is gradually changed from crack deflection to crack bridging. The rationality ofthe mode was proved with some experimental results.