Fracture analysis of cracked rubber components in two and three dimensions

• Published in: Theoretical and applied fracture mechanics Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Pidaparti, R.M.V., Pontula, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 1995; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fracture mechanics, fatigue and cracks; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Machine components; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Physics; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Finite element method; Tearing; Cracks; Rubbers; Mechanical component; Elastomers
• ISSN: 0167-8442; 1872-7638
• DOI: 10.1016/0167-8442(94)00042-Y

This paper presents a non-linear fracture analysis of cracked rubber components. The fracture parameter, tearing energy for rubber materials is computed for two- and three-dimensional bodies using the virtual crack extension method. The crack propagation direction is found by a maximum tearing energy fracture criterion. To illustrate the finite element procedures developed, three design applications were studied. The results obtained are compared to those available in the literature. The procedures developed predict the crack propagation direction in cracked rubber solids.