This two-day course addresses the mechanical properties of ceramics and glasses for elastic properties, strength measurements, fracture parameters and the indentation hardness. For each of these topical areas, the fundamentals of the properties are discussed, explained, and related to the structure and crystal chemistry of the materials and their microstructure. Standard test methods are covered. Students will be exposed to how the structures of ceramics and glasses determine those properties, become acquainted with standard test methods for the listed mechanical properties, and complete these tests and understand the results. In addition, students will learn how the results of some tests may be used to design with ceramics and glasses and about post-mortem analysis of failures. Special topics include:

Stress, Strain and Elastic Properties
Measuring Elastic Properties
Theoretical Strength, Fracture and Fracture Toughness / R-Curves
Measuring the Fracture Toughness
Strength Test Methods
Weibull Derivation
Weibull statistics, standards, graphs, multiple flaw populations
Flaw Growth and Fatigue
Flaws and Fractography
Hardness of Ceramics
Measuring the Hardness


Learning Outcomes

Attendees will learn the fundamentals of each specific topic and be exposed to how the structures of ceramics and glasses determine those properties. They will become acquainted with the standard test methods for the listed mechanical properties and be able to complete those tests, understanding the results. (Continuous fiber ceramic matrix composites are not included.) Attendees will learn how the results of some tests may be used to design with ceramics and glasses, as well as learn about post-mortem analyzes of failures. They will gain a basic understanding of the mechanical properties of ceramics and their measurement.