Influence of notch radius and R-curve behaviour on the fracture toughness evaluation of WC–Co cemented carbides

✍ Scribed by Y. Torres; R. Bermejo; L. Llanes; M. Anglada

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 585 KB
• Volume: 75
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0013-7944
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2008.04.017

✦ Synopsis

In this work the apparent fracture toughness of different grades of WC-Co cemented carbides has been evaluated by means of the single edge V-notched beam (SEVNB) method. The results are analysed, as a function of both the binder mean free path and the maximum steady-state crack shielding value, following a theoretical approach which assumes the existence of a small crack at the notch tip. The experimental findings indicate that larger defects at the notch tip and/or existence of R-curve behaviour imply higher (i.e. less restricted) values of the minimum notch radius required in SEVNB specimens for a reliable assessment of the fracture toughness of cemented carbides.