Theoretical Study of Fracture Toughness of Ceramic/Polymer Laminated Composites Using Cohesive Zone Simulations

Abstract

The fracture behavior of ceramic/polymer laminates has been investigated to improve fracture behavior of ceramic by reinforcing with ductile polymer layers. Epoxy is used to toughen ceramic laminates (partially stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) or Alumina). It is assumed that interface bonding between laminates takes place which was represented by cohesive zone model CZM. The ductile polymer layers are assumed ductile and cause bridging stress. A virtual model based on FEM is developed to calculate the J-integral of ceramic/polymer laminated composite numerically and as a mathematical expression for fracture toughness. The fracture toughness is studied by applying 3-point bend test on laminates. A parametric study of variables affecting J-integral is conducted. A verification of the finite element model has been performed by a comparison with previous research results which has been experimentally conducted by. A reasonable indication has been approved.