Velocity mode transition of dynamic crack propagation in hyperviscoelastic materials: A continuum model study

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid Mechanics
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Crack propagation in elastomers exhibits a
• mode transition
• : a sudden increase in crack velocity with rising energy release rate.
• The underlying mechanisms of this mode transition, despite its link to mechanical properties, remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic crack propagation in elastomers.
• To elucidate the nature of the mode transition phenomenon using computational methods.

Main Methods:

• Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations were employed.
• A hyperviscoelastic material model was utilized for the elastomer.
• Numerical pure shear tests were conducted under varying tensile strains to measure crack velocities.

Main Results:

• The FEM simulations successfully reproduced the mode transition phenomenon.
• This marks the first instance of achieving mode transition with a simplified FEM model.
• The study identified a characteristic non-monotonic temporal development of principal stress near the crack tip as the cause.

Conclusions:

• The mode transition in elastomers is attributed to the dynamic stress evolution at the crack tip.
• FEM simulations provide a viable tool for understanding complex crack propagation behaviors.
• This research offers new insights into the fundamental mechanics of elastomer fracture.