Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Failure processes in brittle solids have been described. Particular emphasis has been placed upon a distinction of the various flaw populations that dictate failure and their relation with the dominant manufacturing (or environmental) variables. Micromechanics models of failure from the more significant flaws, and considerations of their relative roles in the failure process, have been cursorily presented. The fracture toughness, its significance in failure, and its dependence upon microstructure, have been examined, in conjunction with considerations of crack shielding and enhanced toughness. Finally, the role of statistical processes has been outlined, within the context of the important flaw populations.