ABSTRACT
Finite element methods are used to analyze the micro-structural level thermal anisotropy induced residual stresses of ceramics. The 2D-four-grain model originally proposed by Clarke combined with a damage mechanics based cohesive zone model approach, has been utilized to simulate the grain boundary micro-cracking initiation and arrest due to residual stresses in titanium diboride (TiB2). A quantitative relation between the microcracking and grain boundary parameters has been established.
