Effects of mechanical shock on thermal shock behavior of ceramics in quenching experiments

Mechanical shock often exists in quenching experiments and service processes of ceramic materials. In this study, a series of experiments are designed and developed to study the effects of mechanical shock on thermal shock behavior of ceramic materials. It indicates that the pattern and length of cracks on specimens are significantly affected by mechanical shock in quenching experiments. Furthermore, the existence of mechanical shock will affect the stress field in ceramic specimens, and then the evaluation of thermal shock resistance by critical rupture temperature difference as well as service performance of ceramics can be easily affected by mechanical shock. This study provides suggestions that mechanical shock in quenching tests should be avoided or considered to shed light on the actual thermal shock resistance of ceramic materials.