Determining the slow crack growth parameter and weibull two-parameter estimates of bilaminate disks by constant displacement-rate flexural testing

Objectives. This study examined the influence of displacement-rate and relative layer heights (RLH) on the slow crack growth exponent and Weibull two-parameter estimates of bilayered ceramic composite disks composed of In-Ceram Alumina and Vitadur Alpha porcelain. Methods. Equibiaxial disks were fabricated with RLH of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1, for In-Ceram Alumina and Vitadur Alpha porcelain, respectively. Ninety specimens each (30 1:2, 30 1:1, and 30 2:1) were tested in an equibiaxial ring-on-ring testing apparatus at displacement-rates of 0.127, 1.27 and 12.7 mm min−1. Results. Weibull parameters were statistically significantly affected by changes in RLH at a constant displacement-rate and the slow crack growth parameters were significantly affected by RLH. Many specimens exhibited nonbrittle failure modes. Nonbrittle failures usually exhibited a fall, followed by a rise in load prior to catastrophic failure, and most occurred in specimens with thicker cores at low displacement-rates. Significance. Geometries of layered materials may affect their reliability and longevity.