Low temperature tests and fracture toughness of selected ceramic materials

Diploma thesis deals with the determination of fracture toughness values of sintered silicon carbide and casted basalt using both the Single Edge V-Notch Beam (SEVNB) and the Chevron Notched Beam (CNB) methods at room and cryogenic temperatures. The first part of this thesis offers general overview and categorization of ceramic materials. Fracture mechanics of the ceramic materials and available fracture toughness testing methods are discussed in following chapters. The last section in the theoretical part is aimed to the microstructure and properties of the silicon carbide. Experimental part of the work summarizes methods used for characterization of selected materials from the microstructural and fracture point of view. Preparation of samples for microstructural observation and samples for fracture toughness determination are described in details. The results of the fracture toughness data for sintered silicon carbide and cast-basalt obtained at room temperature and at -100 °C are displayed. Consideration of possible measurements errors and application of various fracture toughness testing methods are discussed in the next chapter of this work. The difference in the fracture toughness values with the decrease of testing temperature was found. The difference depends on both, the used method of fracture toughness determination and the material used for the tests. The most important results gained during the experimental work are summarized in the chapter “Conclusions”