Evaluation of Mixed Mode Fracture for PUR Foams

Abstract

Polyurethane foams crush in compression and have a brittle fracture in tension, so their failure could be evaluated based on Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics. Fracture toughness in mixed mode loading is of particular interest because foam cracking weakens the structure's capacity for carrying loads. Four fracture criteria (Maximum circumferential tensile stress, Minimum strain energy density, Maximum energy release rate, Equivalent stress intensity factor) were considered for evaluation of mixed mode fracture of three closed cell rigid polyurethane foams with densities: 100, 145 and 300 kg/m3. Mixed mode fracture tests were performed using asymmetric semi-circular specimen. The equivalent stress intensity factor criterion looks to give the better prediction of mixed mode fracture. Also the effect of cell orientation and the crack propagation angle were investigated.