Determination of interface fracture properties by micro- and macro-scale experiments in nacre-like alumina. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doitrand, Aurelien; Henry, Ronan; Saad, Hassan; Deville, Sylvain; Meille, Sylvain
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanics and physics of solids. Volume 145(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Nacre-like alumina -- Interface failure -- Crack initiation -- Coupled criterion; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Solids -- Periodicals; Mechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Solides -- Périodiques; Mechanics, Applied; Solids; Periodicals; 531.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2020.104143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5096

Abstract

Abstract: The mechanical properties of brick-and-mortar composites depend on their interface fracture properties, which have not been evaluated to date, preventing a rational optimization of the microstructure and of the resulting mechanical properties. Micro-(cantilever) and macro-scale (Single Edge Notched Bending) tests on nacre-like alumina both result in crack initiation at the interface between the platelets. We assess crack initiation and predict the failure force by means of 2D and 3D finite element simulations employing the same fracture modeling approach at both scales, namely the coupled criterion. The interface fracture properties are determined by means of inverse identification based on both micro- and macro-scale experiments. The interface exhibits typical values of 438 MPa tensile strength and 1.96 J/m 2 fracture toughness. The forces at crack initiation predicted employing these parameters are in good agreement with the forces measured experimentally for both micro- and macro-scale tests. The quantitative determination of the interface fracture properties should help the design and optimization of this class of brick-and-mortar materials.