The contribution of 211 particles to the mechanical reinforcement mechanism of 123 superconducting single domains

TL;DR

This study investigates how 211 particles influence the mechanical reinforcement of Dy-123 superconducting single domains, revealing anisotropic properties and the critical role of particle distribution in crack deviation.

Contribution

It demonstrates the significant impact of 211-particles on crack behavior and highlights the importance of their homogeneous distribution for mechanical reinforcement.

Findings

Higher hardness in (001) planes compared to c-axis planes.

Crack patterns show preferential orientation related to particle distribution.

Homogeneous 211-particle distribution is crucial for crack deviation.

Abstract

Hardness and fracture toughness of Dy-123 single-domains were studied by Vickers micro-indentation. A significant anisotropy of the mechanical properties was observed. Hardness tests give higher values when performed in (001) planes rather than in planes parallel to the c-axis. Moreover cracks pattern around the indentation follows preferential orientation in planes parallel to the c-axis whereas a classical ''four-cracks'' pattern is observed in the (001) planes. It has been possible to show the crucial role played by the 211-particles in the deviating mechanism of cracks and the relevance of the 211-particle distribution high homogeneity in the material.