Phase-transformation zones and shielding stress intensity factors for cracks in finite bodies

The paper deals with the determination of phase-transformation zones and residual stress intensity factors in transformation toughened ceramics. The influence of finite specimen dimensions is discussed in detail. It results that in case of non-propagating cracks the residual stress intensity factor does not disappear, in contrast to computations made for small-scale transformations. Additionally, it can be shown that for propagating cracks the residual (shielding) stress intensity factor depends on the type of loading (tension, bending), the relative crack length, and on the ratio of zone size to specimen size. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.