TWI Frequently asked questions
The implementation of ceramics into critical components is often desirable, but success is dependent on both appropriate material selection and good design.
With ceramics, two key principles should be considered during the design process:
- specification of working conditions and requirements, including loads and temperature
- specific properties of this class of material
In particular, the designer should consider and design to accommodate the following:
- - brittleness (lack of ductility) compared with other structural materials
- - high strength in compression (avoid tension, bending and torsion if possible)
- - susceptibility to impact and point loads
- - low thermal conductivity (and hence low resistance to thermal shock)
- - sensitivity to stress concentrations - abrupt changes in shape, cross-section, notches, corners and sharp edges (all of which should be avoided)
- - flaws, which result in low strength, cracks and other faults
