Geometric control of failure behavior in perforated sheets

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid Mechanics
• Fracture Mechanics

Background:

• Perforations in continuum sheets significantly alter deformation and elastic properties.
• Understanding failure mechanisms in perforated materials is crucial for structural integrity.
• Previous studies have explored various aspects of material failure, but specific transitions in perforated sheets require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the failure behavior of a perforated sheet with a one-dimensional array of rectangular holes.
• To identify the transition in failure modes as a function of hole spacing and aspect ratio.
• To correlate the observed failure mode transition with stress enhancement phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a model experimental system of a material with a one-dimensional array of rectangular holes.
• Systematically varied the spacing and aspect ratio of the rectangular holes.
• Observed and characterized the failure modes under applied stress.

Main Results:

• A distinct transition in failure mode was observed with variations in hole geometry.
• Rapid failure via a running crack was replaced by quasistatic failure, characterized by random strut breaking.
• This transition was demonstrated to be linked to the loss of stress enhancement as material geometry was modified.

Conclusions:

• The geometry of perforations critically influences the failure mode of continuum sheets.
• Stress enhancement plays a key role in the transition from rapid to quasistatic failure.
• The findings provide insights into predicting and controlling material failure in perforated structures.