The Open Mechanics Journal

2008, 2 : 67-72
Published online 2008 August 12. DOI: 10.2174/1874158400802010067
Publisher ID: TOMECHJ-2-67

Computational Approach to Design High Reliability Ceramic Laminates

E. Bertarelli , D. Gastaldi , P. Vena and R. Contro
Department of Structural Engineering, Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, 32, 20133 Milano - Italy.

ABSTRACT

A numerical design approach for ceramic multilayer laminates with predetermined stress profiles is here proposed and compared with a well established theoretical method. The design procedure allows for the optimization of layer composition, in order to obtain high reliability and at the same time control composition and stress state of each layer.

The proposed approach is used to design alumina-mullite-zirconia laminates with high toughness, meeting at the same time the particular functional requirements of a pure alumina surface layer with residual compressive stresses with the aim to increase tribological properties.

Keywords:

Functionally graded materials, ceramic laminates, linear elastic fracture mechanics, finite element method, bio medical applications.