On the Crack Growth Resistance of Microcracking Brittle Materials

A mechanics model of microcrack toughening has been presented. The model predicts the magnitude of microcrack toughening as well as the existence of R-curve effects. The toughening is predicated on both the elastic modulus diminution in the microcrack process zone and the dilatation induced by microcracking. The modulus effect is relatively small and process zone size independent. The dilatational effect is potentially more substantial, as well as being the primary source of the R-curve. The dilatational contribution is also zone size dependent. The analysis demonstrates that microcrack toughening is less potent than transformation toughening, by virtue of the damaging effect of microcracks on the material ahead of the crack.