Mechanical Properties of Magnesia Single Crystals Corn pression

Stress‐strain curves of single crystals of magnesia compressed in the [100] direction are reported at temperatures from –196° to 1200°C.; curves are also shown for different rates of loading at room temperature. The crystals show considerable ductility at all temperatures and at room temperature can be deformed plastically about 6% before fracture at stresses which are about one‐quarter of reported polycrystalline fracture strengths. The macroscopic yield drops apparently exponentially from an extrapolated value of 50,000 lb. per sq. in. at absolute zero to about 4500 lb. per sq. in. at temperatures of 900°C. and higher. Heat‐treatment has an appreciable effect on the yield stress. The resistance of the material to deformation increases with the number of slip systems and bands activated because of the barriers to dislocation movements which occur at slip band intersections. At about 2 to 3% strain, stress concentrations begin to be relieved by small internal cracks which are not easily propagated. This effect is extensive before final macroscopic failure of the crystal occurs. Preliminary creep tests above the macroscopic yield stress and in the temperature range 800° to 1000°C. show large instantaneous plastic deformations followed by slow constant‐rate creep.