Application of laser scattering for detection of surface and subsurface defects in Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) components

摘要

Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) ceramics are currently primary materials of choice in structural applications because of their mechanical and thermal properties. However, the lifetimes of these ceramic components -- especially those that experience contact fatigue (e.g., bearings) -- are most affected by defects such as voids, inclusions, or microstructural variations in the surface or near-surface (