ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the design approaches for ceramics. Design approaches can be divided roughly into five categories: empirical, deterministic, probabilistic, linear elastic fracture mechanics, and combined. Empirical design is a trial-and-error approach that emphasizes iterative fabrication and testing and deemphasizes mathematical modeling and analysis. Deterministic design is a standard "safety-factor" approach. Empirical and deterministic design approaches may be adequate for most ceramic applications, but are limited in cases where high stresses or complex stress distributions are present. Probabilistic design is primarily limited by inadequacy in defining peak stresses and stress distributions in the component and in defining the true strength–flaw size distribution in the candidate material. Linear elastic fracture mechanics is a useful approach to the design of ceramics and other brittle materials. It is apparent from the prior discussions in this chapter that a variety of design approaches are available.
