Methods for Determining the Strength of Brittle Materials in Compressive Stress States

Testing techniques capable of stressing brittle materials in any biaxial compressive stress state have been developed. The design of the specimen, the test devices, and the testing procedures are described in detail. Test results obtained with these techniques, which define the compressive biaxial failure envelope for WESGO AL-995 alumina, are presented. The general problems inherent in the compression testing of very strong brittle materials are discussed.