Numerical modeling and statistical analysis of the effect of thermomechanical properties on residual stresses in feldspar-based ceramic materials after thermal tempering

Abstract

This study focuses on the investigation of the impact of the thermomechanical properties of ceramic materials on residual stresses generated after the thermal tempering process. A sodium feldspar matrix was chosen for numerical simulations, with variations in its thermomechanical properties of up to ± 20%, to encompass a range of properties exhibited by other ceramic materials. The simulations demonstrated that the viscosity of the material had the most significant influence on residual stress generation, while the coefficient of thermal expansion, modulus of elasticity, and effective diffusivity also contributed to residual stress formation. A statistical analysis based on a 2⁴ factorial design revealed that increasing residual compressive stress on the surface was achievable by increasing the coefficient of thermal expansion and modulus of elasticity, as well as the viscosity, while reducing the effective thermal diffusivity. Finally, a mathematical model was proposed to relate the thermomechanical properties of the ceramic material to the residual stresses observed on the surface following thermal tempering.