Numerical–experimental method to study the viscous behaviour of ceramic materials

Abstract The aim of the work deals with the development of a numerical–experimental method to study the viscous behaviour of ceramic materials and to estimate the viscosity evolution as a function of temperature. The current state of the art regarding the study of viscous behaviour of ceramic materials is carried out by using optical methods able to perform measurements without contact with the sample to be analyzed. The two point bending configuration is the conventional test currently used. Despite the use of the optical technology, the test specimen, because of its viscous behaviour, interferes with the measuring device. The experimental test results are inevitably compromised. The developed numerical–experimental method aims at overcoming the drawbacks of the conventional experimental test configuration and at determining the material viscosity. This method consists of an ad hoc developed experimental test configuration and of a numeric simulation of the experimental test.