Temperature dependence of linear fracture mechanics parameters in ceramics: a finite element study

Parametric finite element simulations are conducted to investigate the steady-state growth of a crack in ceramic material under various temperature conditions. The temperature dependences of elastic moduli and specific surface energy are incorporated to compute the critical fracture parameters such as the crack length, the failure stress and the energy release rate. The finite element modelling is first verified against Griffith’s theory and then implemented to practical case of cracks growing from a pore. It is demonstrated that crack growth can be energetically favorable at elevated temperatures, whereas it can be inhibited at low temperatures.