[SY-E6] Modeling approaches to tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformations in MgO partially stabilized zirconia
Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) based ceramics are known for their excellent mechanical properties and bio-compatibility. The material's ability to undergo stress-induced phase transitions results in a very high fracture toughness, making it ideal for applications such as dental implants. In MgO-stabilized zirconia (MgO-PSZ) the martensitic phase transformation is restricted to lenticular inclusions of retained tetragonal phase embedded in a cubic matrix.
We use semi-analytical models as well as phase-field methods based on Ginzburg-Landau theory to account for various aspects of microstructure formation. Using phase-field it is possible to directly simulate the phase morphology and investigate the influence of geometric and crystallographic aspects. The semi-analytical model allows to study the effects of material parameters, such as surface energies, on the transformation stress as well as the inelastic strain in the inclusions and allows for the application of homogenization techniques in order to assess the effective constitutive response. Both approaches complement each other in order to achieve a more quantitative understanding of the micromechanics of zirconia.
We use semi-analytical models as well as phase-field methods based on Ginzburg-Landau theory to account for various aspects of microstructure formation. Using phase-field it is possible to directly simulate the phase morphology and investigate the influence of geometric and crystallographic aspects. The semi-analytical model allows to study the effects of material parameters, such as surface energies, on the transformation stress as well as the inelastic strain in the inclusions and allows for the application of homogenization techniques in order to assess the effective constitutive response. Both approaches complement each other in order to achieve a more quantitative understanding of the micromechanics of zirconia.