Multiscale Simulation of Porous Quasi-Brittle Ceramics Fracture

Multiscale computer simulation approach has been applied to research mechanisms of failure in ceramic nanostructured ceramics under dynamic loading. The obtained experimental and theoretical data indicate quasi-brittle fracture of nanostructured ZrB2 ceramics under dynamic compression and tension. Damage nucleation and accumulation in quasi brittle nanostructured ceramics were simulated under impact loadings. Fracture of nanostructured ultra-high temperature ceramics under pulse and shock-wave loadings is provided by fast processes of intercrystalline brittle fracture and relatively slow processes of quasi-brittle failure via growth and coalescence of opened microcracks. For nanostructures ZrB2 ceramics with porosity of 7 %, the compressive strength at strain rate of 1800 s-1 is equal to 2440±50 MPa, the tensile strength at strain rate of 300 s-1 is equal to 155±20 MPa.