Fracture mirror size analysis is a powerful tool for analyzing glass and ceramic fractures. Fracture mirrors are telltale fractographic markings in brittle materials that surround a fracture origin as discussed in Practices C 1256
Figs. 3-5 show examples in ceramics. In polycrystalline ceramics, the qualifier “relatively” as in “relatively smooth” must be used, since there is an inherent roughness from the microstructure even in the area immediately surrounding the origin. In coarse-grained or porous ceramics, it may be impossible to identify a mirror boundary. In polycrystalline ceramics, it is highly unlikely that a mirror-mist boundary can be detected due to the inherent roughness created by the crack-microstructure interactions, even within the mirror. The word “systematic” in the definition for “mirror-hackle boundary in polycrystalline ceramics” requires some elaboration. Mirror boundary hackle lines are velocity hackle lines created after the radiating crack reaches terminal velocity. However, premature, isolated hackle can in some instances be generated well within a ceramic fracture mirror. It should be disregarded when judging the mirror boundary. Wake hackle from an isolated obstacle inside the mirror (such as a large grain or agglomerate) can trigger early “premature” hackle lines. Steps in scratches or grinding flaws can trigger hackle lines that emanate from the origin itself. Sometimes the microstructure of polycrystalline ceramics creates severe judgment problems in ceramic matrix composites (particulate, whisker, or platelet) or self-reinforced ceramics whereby elongated and interlocking grains impart greater fracture resistance. Mirrors may be plainly evident at low magnifications, but accurate assessment of their size can be difficult. The mirror region itself may be somewhat bumpy; therefore, some judgment as to what is a mirror boundary is necessary.
Fracture......
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