Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of shear strength of joints in advanced ceramics at ambient temperature using asymmetrical four-point flexure. Test specimen geometries, test specimen fabrication methods, testing modes (that is, force or displacement control), testing rates (that is, force or displacement rate), data collection, and reporting procedures are addressed.1.2 This test method is used to measure shear strength of ceramic joints in test specimens extracted from larger joined pieces by machining. Test specimens fabricated in this way are not expected to warp due to the relaxation of residual stresses but are expected to be much straighter and more uniform dimensionally than butt-jointed test specimens prepared by joining two halves, which is not recommended. In addition, this test method is intended for joints, which have either low or intermediate strengths with respect to the substrate material to be joined. Joints with high strengths should not be tested by th