Indentation fracture resistance of brittle materials using irregular cracks: A review

The equation of the Vickers indentation fracture (VIF) proposed by Moradkhani et al. (J. Adv. Ceram. 2, 87–102 (2013)) has been used for the determination of indentation fracture resistance from indented area containing irregular and branch cracks formed around Vickers diamond indentation impressions. The equation is based on the concept that the surface of the micro-cracks is related to the depth of the micro-cracks. Results of the published experimental data have been compared and analyzed with similar and dissimilar methods in all different tested materials, and the accuracy, advantages and disadvantages have been presented and discussed. The results show that, in 90% of the performed tests, the accuracy of the equation is more than 90% compared to methods based on conventional fracture mechanics (CFM) and Vickers indentation fracture (VIF). The results show a high degree of accuracy to date, but the style and method of analysis need to be explained more clearly. Also, there is a requirement for a more comprehensive test range for other brittle materials.