The single edge notch fracture test for viscoelastic elastomers

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the fracture behavior of viscoelastic elastomers using a new criticality condition, highlighting the roles of non-Gaussian elasticity, nonlinear viscosity, and fracture energy, and comparing theoretical predictions with experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis framework for the single edge notch fracture test in viscoelastic elastomers based on a recent criticality condition, addressing limitations of previous models.

Findings

Viscoelastic effects significantly influence fracture nucleation.

Non-Gaussian elasticity and nonlinear viscosity govern fracture behavior.

Existing analyses neglect viscous effects and geometric details.

Abstract

Making use of the Griffith criticality condition recently introduced by Shrimali and Lopez-Pamies (Extreme Mechanics Letters 58: 101944, 2023), this work presents a comprehensive analysis of the single edge notch fracture test for viscoelastic elastomers. The results -- comprised of a combination of a parametric study and direct comparisons with experiments -- reveal how the non-Gaussian elasticity, the nonlinear viscosity, and the intrinsic fracture energy of elastomers interact and govern when fracture nucleates from the pre-existing crack in these tests. The results also serve to quantify the limitations of existing analyses, wherein viscous effects and the actual geometries of the pre-existing cracks and the specimens are neglected.