Ceramics: Slow Cracking and Corrosion

This lecture covers the basic concepts of slow cracking and corrosion in ceramics, focusing on the impact of environmental factors such as water on materials like silica. It explains how atomic bonds can be broken by molecules, leading to sub-critical corrosion. The lecture also delves into the practical consequences of these phenomena, such as the time-dependent mechanical resistance of glass and oxides. Additionally, it explores the tradition of sabering champagne bottles and the physics behind it, emphasizing the importance of stress intensity factors and crack propagation. The presentation concludes with an analysis of the mechanical properties of materials like glass, providing insights into stress rates, viscosity, and fracture mechanics.