Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Mechanoluminescent Visualization of Crack Propagation for Joint Evaluation
Published on: January 6, 2023
Crack Propagation and Fracture Toughness of Graphene Probed by Raman Spectroscopy
Zilong Zhang1,2,3, Xuewei Zhang1,2,3, Yunlu Wang1,2,3
1Center for X-Mechanics , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310012 , P. R. China.
Abstract:
Fracture behaves as one of the most fundamental issues for solid materials. As a one-atom-thick crystal, many aspects in fracture mechanics of graphene are of high significance, such as the crack propagation and its fracture toughness. Here we present a method to study the fracture characteristics of graphene using Raman spectroscopy and designed chemical-vapor-deposited monolayer graphene with preset cracks. The dynamic fracture process of graphene was experimentally observed, and its fracture toughness was obtained using Griffith's criterion based on the strain distribution derived from the frequency shifts of Raman bands. The fracture toughness of Kc = 6.1 ± 0.6 MPa[Formula: see text] and Gc = 37.4 ± 6.7 J/m2 are comparable with the previously reported theoretical and experimental values, and we believe that this simple and easy-to-operate approach of characterizing the fracture of graphene using Raman spectroscopy can also be extended to other two-dimensional materials.
Related Concept Videos
Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and...
Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
Toughness and Hardness of Aggregate
Types of Non-structural Cracks in Concrete
Plastic shrinkage cracks typically form within hours after the concrete is poured. The concrete's surface dries faster than the bottom, creating tensile stress that the still-plastic concrete cannot withstand, leading to diagonal or randomly patterned cracks on the concrete surface.
Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Propagation of Action Potentials
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...

