Geometric control of failure behavior in perforated sheets

TL;DR

This paper investigates how perforations in sheets alter their failure modes, showing a transition from rapid crack propagation to quasi-static failure as hole spacing and shape are varied, linked to changes in stress distribution.

Contribution

It introduces a model system to study failure mode transitions in perforated sheets and connects these transitions to geometric modifications affecting stress enhancement.

Findings

Transition from rapid crack failure to quasi-static failure with geometric changes

Failure mode linked to loss of stress concentration effects

Experimental system demonstrates control over failure behavior

Abstract

Adding perforations to a continuum sheet allows new modes of deformation, and thus modifies its elastic behavior. The failure behavior of such a perforated sheet is explored, using a model experimental system: a material containing a one-dimensional array of rectangular holes. In this model system, a transition in failure mode occurs as the spacing and aspect ratio of the holes are varied: rapid failure via a running crack is completely replaced by quasi-static failure which proceeds via the breaking of struts at random positions in the array of holes. I demonstrate that this transition can be connected to the loss of stress enhancement which occurs as the material geometry is modified.