Abstract
We employ periodic density functional theory to explore the effect of cyclic tensile loading on the behavior of alumina in the threshold region of crack formation. We find evidence for nanoscale fatigue when the alumina lattice is subjected to uniaxial tensile loading and unloading and tensile stresses normal to the applied load. It is possible that such atomic-scale fatigue impacts the durability of ceramics, since the highly ionic bonding requires near-ideal lattice structures in order to maintain cohesive strength.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 505-509 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Nano Letters |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 2006 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Bioengineering
- General Materials Science