An approximate analysis is presented of the toughening induced by the incorporation of second‐phase particles subject to microcrack‐ing. It is demonstrated that the toughening becomes appreciable for a narrow size distribution of particles of appropriate size. The magnitude of the toughening is determined by the mismatch strain (due to thermal contraction incompatibility) and the microfracture resistance of the particle/matrix interface. Implications for designing optimally tough ceramics are presented.
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Evans et al. (1981) studied this question.