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Spontaneous Mixed-Mode Fracture in Bonded Similar and Dissimilar Materials

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Abstract

In this paper, we report on an experimental study of spontaneous, mixed-mode, crack propagation in weakly bonded similar and dissimilar materials. A unique experimental configuration is proposed to induce spontaneous crack growth events along the interfaces. The cracks nucleate from tiny circular holes and are triggered by an exploding wire. They subsequently propagate under the action of a constant, far-field load. Dynamic photoelasticity in conjunction with high speed photography is used to capture the real-time isochromatics associated with crack propagation. In the case of identical materials, crack propagation is anti-symmetric with respect to the crack nucleation point while strong asymmetry is observed for the case of dissimilar materials. In both cases, cracks propagate at constant velocity from the initiation point. The time histories of dynamic stress intensity factors and of energy release rates of the propagating cracks along the bonded similar materials are also reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering & Lassonde Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, M5S 1A4

    K. Xia (SEM member)

  2. Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA, 02747, USA

    V. B. Chalivendra (SEM member)

  3. Graduate Aeronautical Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA

    A. J. Rosakis (SEM member)

Authors
  1. K. Xia
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  2. V. B. Chalivendra
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  3. A. J. Rosakis
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. J. Rosakis.

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Xia, K., Chalivendra, V.B. & Rosakis, A.J. Spontaneous Mixed-Mode Fracture in Bonded Similar and Dissimilar Materials. Exp Mech 46, 163–171 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-006-6423-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-006-6423-7

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