MAPSLAC · Microstructure and properties of structural layered ceramics
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2004-09-01 → 2005-08-31
- EU contribution
- €32,990
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- ERG
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - MAPSLAC (Microstructure and properties of structural layered ceramics)
The research topic of the project was to characterise the microstructure and study the mechanical properties of ceramic multilayered materials, mainly in the form of Functionally graded materials (FGM), and through better understanding of the microstructure and layered structure mechanical properties relationship to improve future design of these materials. The microstructure, internal stress states and mechanical properties of alumina and zirconia functionally gradient materials prepared by electrophoretic deposition in the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, were investigated. The stresses built up due to thermal expansion mismatch between macroscopic layers were studied using spectroscopic and indentation methods. The role of gradient layers in suppressing the sharp, potentially hazardous, stress transitions was also explored. Given the limitations of the experimental methods, the internal stress states were explored theoretically by means of numerical and analytical studies. Furthermore, the influence of the residual stresses on the crack propagation and failure due to mechanical and thermal shock loading was studied. Based on the results the limits of the material design were defined. The results up to the project completion showed that the hard surface of the experimental FGM, which was subject to compressive stresses, exhibited enhanced fracture toughness and wear resistance. This implied that, together with its potentially good corrosion and creep resistance, this sort of materials could have good potential in structural applications where it might be in contact with other materials.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The principle of combining different materials in order to utilize their inherent qualities within the single final material/piece is rapidly finding its way to engineering practice. Advances in processing technology have made it possible to mimic the approach used by nature to design structures such as shells and teeth with a layered architecture. Within the group of layered ceramics, one can distinguish ceramic coatings, ceramic multi-layers, and functionally graded ceramics. With respect to their mechanic al properties, these groups of heterogeneous materials have the common characteristic that the local properties vary through their thickness.Many of the mechanical reliability problems encountered in multi-layered materials are linked to the abrupt change of material properties at the border between dissimilar layers. These problems are potentially solved using the novel concept of functionally graded materials (FGMs), in which the transition between micro-structurally or chemically dissimilar materials is realised in a continuous manner. The main goal of the present project is to contribute to fundamental understanding of microstructure and mechanical properties of layered ceramic composites and coatings in terms of the distribution and individual properties of constituent layers and interfaces, and thus to help to assess existing methods and to develop new methods of the quantitative characterisation of reliability of these materials. This will be achieved through a combination of simulations, experiments, micro- and substructure studies, and analyses based upon the principles of fracture mechanics, mechanics of materials and materials science.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA · BARCELONACoordinatorSpain
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union