Mixed-mode fracture in an R-curve material

Mixed-mode fracture of a mica glass ceramic, an R-curve material, was analyzed. Vickers indentation cracks of varying sizes were introduced on the tensile surface of glass ceramic bars fractured in three point flexure. Mixed-mode fracture from indentation cracks was governed by a rising crack growth resistance behavior. Minimum Strain Energy Density theory based on the singular stress terms was effective in describing mixed-mode fracture in the glass ceramic and in previously studied non R-curve ceramics in flexure. This agreement implies that the effect of non singular stress terms in mixed-mode fracture from relatively small surface cracks in flexure is negligible.

► Mixed-mode fracture is analyzed for mica glass ceramic, an R-curve material. ► Mixed-mode stress intensity factors show crack growth resistance (R-curve) behavior. ► Test geometry does not influence crack turning angle for indent cracks in mixed-mode. ► Strain Energy Density approach describes mixed-mode fracture of ceramics in flexure. ► T-stress is negligible for mixed-mode fracture from surface cracks in flexure.