Abstract
The major subject of this study is to evaluate the strength reliability of ceramics for mechanical component applications based on fracture mechanics. This paper describes fatigue crack growth characteristics of PSZ (partially stabilized Zirconia) at roomtemperature in cyclic three point bending test. Extensive crack growth was observed prior to the final fracture during cyclic loading and it was confirmed that PSZ exhibits a linear relationship on logarithmic scale between the fatigue crack growth rate and the stress intensity factor range. Statistical characteristics of the crack growth rate parameters and fatigue fracture toughness value were also discussed by goodness-of-fit test for Weibull, normal, and Type I extreme value distribution functions, and these variables were found to fit Weibull distribution best.
