Reduced models for linearly elastic thin films allowing for fracture, debonding or delamination

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the emergence of different cracking modes in thin elastic films as their thickness approaches zero, using asymptotic analysis to identify conditions leading to debonding, transverse cracks, or delamination.

Contribution

It introduces a new asymptotic framework for modeling fracture, debonding, and delamination in thin elastic films by superposing two plates and applying specific scaling laws.

Findings

Debonding and transverse cracks can appear as the film thickness tends to zero.

A coupled model for debonding, transverse cracks, and delamination is proposed.

Scaling laws determine the dominant fracture mode in thin films.

Abstract

This work is devoted so show the appearance of different cracking modes in linearly elastic thin film systems by means of an asymptotic analysis as the thickness tends to zero. By superposing two thin plates, and upon suitable scaling law assumptions on the elasticity and fracture parameters, it is proven that either debonding or transverse cracks can emerge in the limit. A model coupling debonding, transverse cracks and delamination is also discussed.