Crack Formation in Laponite Gel under AC Fields

TL;DR

This study investigates how alternating current (AC) electric fields influence crack patterns in laponite gel, revealing that field strength significantly affects crack curvature, pattern features, and fracture surface characteristics.

Contribution

It demonstrates that AC fields can produce complex crack patterns in laponite gel, expanding understanding beyond previously studied DC field effects.

Findings

Radial crack bending increases with field strength

Crack speed varies with applied AC voltage

Surface striations correlate with fracture dynamics

Abstract

Crack formation patterns in laponite gel are known to be strongly affected by DC electric fields. We show that AC fields produce equally remarkable patterns in a radially symmetric set-up. The character of the pattern depends crucially on the field strength. A significant feature observed is the bending of radial cracks, with the curvature increasing as field strength is increased. Fields of 20 to 70 V have been applied and several features of the resulting patterns quantified. Striations on the fracture surfaces and crack speeds are also studied.