Simple Notch Preparation Technique for Fracture Toughness Measurements in Partially Stabilized Zirconia

Fracture toughness is an important property of transformation‐toughening materials. Since indentation techniques are not reliable, notched‐beam techniques using slicing wheels on grinding machines are often used. Notching can induce residual stress as well as cracks, the effect of which cannot be completely nullified by annealing. Hence, the fracture toughness estimation methods may not yield realistic values for transformation‐toughening materials. The present paper reports on a reliable technique for notch preparation which can completely exclude the detrimental effects of stress/cracking that may arise due to notching, using slicing wheels on grinding machines. Copyright © 1993, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved