| Title |
The Fracture Toughness of Sintered WC - Co Alloys |
| Abstract |
On the basis of microscopic observations of the fracture process, the material is modelled as a homogeneous binder phase containing pre-existing discontinuous cracks. Application of linear elastic fracture mechanics gives K_(IC)=[α/βEσ_Yλ_c/d+λ_cλ_c]^½ where α and β are constants, E and σ_Y are the elastic modulus and in situ yield strength, respectively, of the binder phase, λ_c is the binder true mean free path, and d is the mean intercept length of the carbide particles. Fair agreement is shown with published fracture toughness data. |