The spalling of long bars as a reliable method of measuring the dynamic tensile strength of ceramics

An analysis of the spall bar test as a reliable method of determining the dynamic tensile strength of brittle materials is presented. The method is based on the propagation and reflection of elastic waves in bars. Failure occurs when compressive waves are reflected into tensile ones on reaching a free end. The study analyses the hypotheses needed to obtain the true tensile strength with this experimental technique, referring to the requirements of the material and of the experimental procedure. The analysis is complemented with numerical simulations of the testing procedure. The correct way to determine the true dynamic tensile strength of ceramic materials is outlined. Finally, the results of tests of some ceramic materials, three different aluminium oxides, an alumina reinforced with zirconia, silicon carbide and boron carbide are presented.