Abstract
This Thesis is primarily concerned with the effects of abrasive machining (diamond grinding) and diamond indentation on the fracture properties of a range of silicon nitride materials. Test specimens machined to surface finishes representative of those found on Aero Gas Turbine components were produced for Modulus of Rupture (MOR) testing, and variations in the fracture strengths were assessed. Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were performed as a means of identifying the nature of the defects found within these materials. Having determined the dependence of strength and reliability on the machined surface finish, attempts were made to palliate the machining damage by thermal annealing and Nitrogen Ion Implantation. X-ray diffraction residual stress measurements were performed in order to quantify the magnitude of the near surface stresses in both the "as machined" and annealed conditions.* Diamond indentation techniques (Vickers and Knoop) were employed in order to determine the hardness of the materials studied and to quantify the extent of the Indentation Size Effect (ISE). These studies were then extended to the point of indentation fracture as a means of assessing the materials fracture toughness (KIC) and the nature of the crack systems beneath the indentation. *Residual stress measurements were carried out on a sub contract basis at the CEGB Central Laboratories by P E J Flewitt and D Lonsdale, their help throughout this work is gratefully acknowledged.