| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/J77542/01 |
| Title: |
FRACTURE, STRENGTH AND DAMAGE TOLERANCE OF CERAMIC NANOCOMPOSITES |
| Principal Investigator: |
Roberts, Professor SG |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Materials |
| Organisation: |
University of Oxford |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 1994 |
Ends: |
30 September 1996 |
Value (£): |
133,757
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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It is proposed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the enhanced properties of ceramic nanocomposites, and to optimise their processing and composition. It has already been established that we can produce alumina/SiC nanocomposites, and that their enhanced properties result from a reduction in the propensity for intergranular fracture and an increased damage tolerance. Residual stresses caused by the TCE mismatch between the constituent phases are the most likely candidate for an explanation at present, as they could both inhibit easy crack propagation along grain facets and attract the cracks into the bulk of the grains. Experiments will be performed to study systematically the influence of the main material variables (particle and grain size, volume fraction of reinforcement, residual stresses) on crack initiation and propagation. This characterisation will include macroscopic strength and toughness measurements, indentation techniques, the effect of different surface finishes and abrasion conditions on flaw size distributions and microscopic examination. A model will be developed on the basis of these observations, using existing models for crack deflection, micro cracking and indentation fracture as a starting point. Processing will be an integral part of this work. As the optimum microstructure and composition are identified, appropriate processing routes will be developed to make the required material.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ox.ac.uk |