ABSTRACT
Because of the potential for catastrophic brittle failure, designers of glass and ceramic components must be concerned with their fracture behavior. The focus of this chapter is a discussion of the test procedures which are used to determine the fracture parameters, e.g., fracture toughness, strength, and susceptibility to moisture-enhanced crack extension, that are important to the design and reliable use of ceramics in almost every conceivable ap plication. In each of these topic areas we will discuss test procedures relative to the end use of the data, i.e., scientific understanding, quality control, design, etc. The advantages and disadvantages of certain test procedures will be outlined. Finally, test procedures will be discussed in terms of a need to predict the reliable, safe use of ceramics in critical applications using the most up-to-date statistical techniques.
