Influence of toughness on Weibull modulus of ceramic bending strength

It is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally that fracture toughness does not directly influence the Weibull modulus of ceramic bending strength for materials that obey the Griffith criterion for crack propagation. Weibull modulus remains unchanged as toughness is increased. However, toughness variations with crack length do affect the Weibull modulus. Thus materials that display R-curve behavior or Dugdale character give an increased Weibull modulus and appear more reliable.