A simple methodology to visualize crack propagation for ceramic materials

Analysis of the crack growth behavior is critical for fracture and thermal shock assessment. The current work presents a simple methodology to visualize cracks in ceramic materials. The procedure is exemplified for refractory materials on the basis of images obtained during mechanical loading using a wedge splitting test. Complementary in situ crack growth observation verify that for one of the materials growth and opening displacement of the main crack is accompanied by pronounced micro-cracking, branching, and bridging processes. Apparent fracture resistance and thermal shock resistance parameters are discussed.