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On the applicability of linear elastic fracture mechanics to environmental stress cracking of low-density polyethylene

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Abstract

The primary aim of this work was to re-examine the range of applicability of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) to environmental stress cracking of low-density polyethylene. By use of a number of specimen types and a range of specimen dimensions and loads it is shown that theK I-c relationship is unique only at lowK Is. The material studied showed a region of constant crack velocity which was not caused by plasticity effects or the failure of LEFM. However, crack arrest, which occurred at highK Is or loads, was shown to be caused by ductile yielding causing the crack to blunt.

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Tonyali, K., Brown, H.R. On the applicability of linear elastic fracture mechanics to environmental stress cracking of low-density polyethylene. J Mater Sci 21, 3116–3124 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00553345

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00553345

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