Crack propagation simulation in microstructure of ceramic tool materials

In the paper, the Voronoi tessellation model is established to represent the microstructure of ceramic tool materials. And cohesive element method is utilized to simulate the phenomenon of crack propagation in the microstructure of ceramic tool materials. The influences of grain size, grain boundary strength and microcracks on cracking patterns and fracture toughness are analyzed respectively. It is proven that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental phenomena.