Fatigue of Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia: II, Crack Propagation, Fatigue Striations, and Short‐Crack Behavior

Abstract

Fatigue crack propagation in 3Y‐TZP was investigated using controlled surface flaws. A unique growth law strongly dependent on the maximum stress intensity factor and quadratically dependent on the amplitude of the range of stress intensity factor was established. This growth law was found to apply for both surface flaws and internal flaws and could be used to predict fatigue lifetime. The presence of residual stress altered the growth mechanics so that an inverse growth rate dependence on the applied stress, reminiscent of the so‐called “short‐crack behavior,” was manifested. Fatigue striations resulting from alternate overload fracture and fatigue fracture during stress cycling were observed. The appearance of striations varied with the R ratio and was very sensitive to the loading condition and crack geometry.