1.1 The objective of this practice is to provide an efficient and consistent methodology to locate and characterize fracture origins in advanced ceramics. It is applicable to advanced ceramics which are brittle; that is, the material adheres to Hooke's Law up to fracture. In such materials, fracture commences from a single location which is termed the fracture origin. The fracture origin in brittle ceramics normally consists of some irregularity or singularity in the material which acts as a stress concentrator. In the parlance of the engineer or scientist, these irregularities are termed "flaws" or "defects." The latter should not be construed to mean that the material has been prepared improperly or is somehow faulty.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.