Energy for crack growth in model rubber components

Abstract

The determination of tearing energy, i.e. the energy available for crack growth, is an essential prerequisite for the estimation of the fatigue life of rubber components. Three methods of determining tearing energy are considered: from changes in total energy, from crack surface displacements, and by comparison with known values for the same crack growth rates. It is shown by applying experimental and numerical techniques to plane-stress testpieces, not necessarily of uniform stress or thickness, that the methods are satisfactory.