Fractal characterization of ceramic crack patterns after thermal shocks

Abstract This work utilized a combination of experimental evidence and fractal geometric method to assess the effect of crack extension concerning the thermal shock on residual strength of ceramics. Sintered alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) ceramic slabs were bundled and quenched in water under different thermal shock temperatures. The fractal dimension of thermal shock crack patterns on the interior surface and the cooled surface was calculated by the Box‐counting method. Fracture energy of a fractal pattern of microcracks in quasi‐brittle solids was employed to explain the relationship between crack length and fractal dimensions. The results show that if the crack propagation has the same crack length but a larger fractal dimension, it will absorb more fracture energy. The thermal shock crack patterns of Al 2 O 3 ceramics with different grain sizes were analyzed, and the smaller grain size ceramic had a higher fractal dimension of crack patterns than the larger one.