A new test method for mode Ⅰ dynamic fracture toughness of ceramic materials

To address the longstanding challenge of accurately evaluating the dynamic fracture toughness of ceramic materials, a new mode I dynamic fracture testing method was developed based on the conventional split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique. This approach introduced a miniature fracture specimen specifically designed to ensure pure mode I loading, along with a custom fixture system that enabled stable and repeatable dynamic fracture experiments on alumina ceramics with varying loading rates. The combined experimental-numerical method was used to obtain the variation of the mode I dynamic stress intensity factor at the crack tip under different loading rates. Fracture initiation time was obtained with high precision using the strain gauge method, allowing for the determination of mode I dynamic fracture toughness. To further validate the accuracy of the measured fracture initiation time, high-speed photography was employed to capture the entire failure process in real time and corroborate the onset of fracture of the tested specimens. The results show that as the applied loading rate increases from 0.45 TPa·m1/2·s−1 to 1.83 TPa·m1/2·s−1, the dynamic fracture toughness of alumina ceramics rises significantly from 8.39 MPa·m1/2 to 15.76 MPa·m1/2, indicating a pronounced strengthening effect induced by higher loading rates. Meanwhile, the crack initiation time decreases notably with increasing loading rate. Fractographic analysis using scanning electron microscopy reveals a clear fracture mode transition behavior. Under lower loading rates, the fracture of alumina ceramics predominantly exhibits intergranular fracture features. Under higher loading rates, the fracture shows a mixed-mode fracture involving both intergranular and transgranular features. This transition is attributed to the activation and propagation of more micro-defects under higher rates, resulting in increased microcracking. The emergence of this mixed fracture mode is associated with greater energy dissipation, which fundamentally contributes to the increase in mode I dynamic fracture toughness. The proposed method offers a robust framework for accurately assessing the mode I dynamic fracture properties of ceramic materials.