Abstract
Toughening mechanisms in polycrystalline ceramics and ceramic-based composites were discussed based on Griffith's energy equilibrium and classified into three groups: (A) the frontal process-zone toughening mechanism, (B) the crack-bridging mechanism, and (C) the macroscopic crack-deflection mechanism. The increase in fracture toughness caused by enforced macroscopic crack-deflection was estimated using the energy equilibrium between the energy-release rate and the fracture-energy rate. The analytical results revealed that the fracture toughness under Mode I loading was enhanced by twice the normal value when the crack propagates in the direction 90¿̐ư from its original plane. Under Mode II loading the fracture toughness is increased 1.2 times the normal value when the crack propagates in its original plane. Crack-deflection tests were carried out by using wooden, thin rectangular plates with a central crack. The increase in the fracture toughness caused by crack deflection was confirmed and the experimental data was coincident with the calculated results.