J Mater Sci Technol ›› 2003, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (03): 197-200.

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Low Shear Strength and Shear-Induced Failure in Ti3SiC2

Yiwang BAO, Yanchun ZHOU   

  1. High Performance Ceramic Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
  • Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Online:2003-05-28 Published:2009-10-10
  • Contact: Yanchun ZHOU

Abstract: Shear strength and shear-induced Hertzian contact damage in Ti3SiC2 were investigated using double-notched-beam specimen and steel spherical indenter, respectively. The shear strength of 40 MPa that was only about 10% of bending strength was obtained for this novel ceramic. The SEM fractograph of specimens failed in shear test indicated a combination of intergranular and transgranular fracture. Under a contact load, plastic indent without cone crack could be formed on the surface of Ti3SiC2 sample. Optical observation on side view showed half-circle cracks around the damage zone below the indent, and the crack shape was consistent with the contrail of the principal shearing stress. The low shear strength and the shearing-activated intergranular sliding were confirmed being the key factors for failure in Ti3SiC2.

Key words: Ti3SiC2, Shear strength, Contact damage, Double-notched specimen