Imaging the stick-slip peeling of an adhesive tape under a constant load

TL;DR

This study uses high-speed imaging to analyze the detailed dynamics of stick-slip peeling in adhesive tape, revealing transient behavior and velocity-dependent phase durations that inform theoretical models.

Contribution

First imaging of fast peel point motion during stick-slip, showing transient regimes and velocity-dependent phase durations, advancing understanding of peeling dynamics.

Findings

Stick-slip regime is transient under force control.

Slip phase can last longer than stick phase at high velocities.

Velocity transitions between phases vary from sudden to smooth.

Abstract

Using a high speed camera, we study the peeling dynamics of an adhesive tape under a constant load with a special focus on the so-called stick-slip regime of the peeling. It is the first time that the very fast motion of the peeling point is imaged. The speed of the camera, up to 16000 fps, allows us to observe and quantify the details of the peeling point motion during the stick and slip phases: stick and slip velocities, durations and amplitudes. First, in contrast with previous observations, the stick-slip regime appears to be only transient in the force controlled peeling. Additionally, we discover that the stick and slip phases have similar durations and that at high mean peeling velocity, the slip phase actually lasts longer than the stick phase. Depending on the mean peeling velocity, we also observe that the velocity change between stick and slip phase ranges from a rather sudden to a smooth transition. These new observations can help to discriminate between the various assumptions used in theoretical models for describing the complex peeling of an adhesive tape. The present imaging technique opens the door for an extensive study of the velocity controlled stick-slip peeling of an adhesive tape that will allow to understand the statistical complexity of the stick-slip in a stationary case.