About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Advanced Characterization Techniques for Quantifying and Modeling Deformation
|
| Presentation Title |
Near-Theoretical Strength and Large Elasticity of Ceramic Reinforcements in Steels |
| Author(s) |
Yizhuang Li |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yizhuang Li |
| Abstract Scope |
Hard, brittle ceramic reinforcement particles in metals often initiate damage, but their intrinsic strength is poorly characterized. This study quantifies the intrinsic local strength of ceramic particles within steels—where particle fracture dominates damage—using in-situ micromechanical testing on FIB-milled single-crystal specimens extracted from particles coupled with simulations. Contrary to prior reports (GPa range), micron-scale coarse particles exhibited strengths up to tens of GPa and elastic strains up to 6.6%. Robustness was confirmed under varied matrix compositions and etching. Anisotropy assessments revealed strength variations within one order of magnitude, indicating no pronounced directional weakness. Measured particle strengths exceed the matrix's sustainable stress by two orders of magnitude, suggesting defect-free particles should resist fracture. Thus, observed fractures likely originate from pre-existing defects within the particles, highlighting defect-free ceramics as ideal reinforcements for high-performance metals. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Iron and Steel, Mechanical Properties, Modeling and Simulation |