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MATERIAL TEST i51

Data processing function of Shimadzu Autograph Model AG in 3-point Bending Test on Alumina Ceramics

Ceramics, while drawing keen interest for their excellent strength and heat resistivity as a material for structural use on the one hand, sometimes also tend towards fractural behaviors, due to their internal critical defects of fragile grain boundaries, inclusions, pores, coarse crystal grains, and cracks.
Such being the characteristics of ceramics, reliable analysis of data is of vital importance for correctly evaluating their mechanical properties.
The Shimadzu Universal Testing machine, Model Autograph, with its computerized control and measurement, has the capacity to expand its testing versatility and data processing functions.
A strength test of alumina ceramics was conducted using the 3-point bending method, the most common method for testing the strength of ceramics. The results are given below.

3-point bending tests on alumina ceramics

A general view of the 3-point bending test attachment is shown in Fig.1, while stress-strain curves and the results of the test are shown in Fig.3.

Test conditions

3-point bending test attachment	:	In conformance with JIS R 1601
Loading rate	:	0.5 mm/min
Load range	:	50 kgf/full scale

Deviation among 20 specimens of same lot is shown graphically in Fig.2. Data differences among the specimens are clearly presented for each of the following: Bending load (kgf), bending elongation (mm), bending stress (kgf/mm2) and strain (%).