On the Vickers Indentation Fracture Toughness Test

The Vickers indentation fracture toughness test, or VIF, is addressed by considering its origins and the numerous equations that have been applied along with the technique to estimate the fracture resistance, or the K I c of ceramics. Initiation and propagation of cracks during the VIF test are described and contrasted with the pre‐cracking and crack growth for internationally standardized fracture toughness tests. It is concluded that the VIF test technique is fundamentally different than standard fracture toughness tests. The VIF test has a complex three‐dimensional crack system with substantial deformation residual stresses and damage around the cracks. The VIF test relates to an ill‐defined crack arrest…