Stress intensity factor and crack velocity relationship for polyester/TiO2 nanocomposites

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

4-1-2005

Abstract

The dynamic fracture behavior of polyester/TiO2 nanocomposites has been characterized and compared with that of the matrix material. A relationship between the dynamic stress intensity factor, KI, and the crack tip velocity, a, has been established. Dynamic photoelasticity coupled with high-speed photography has been used to obtain crack tip velocities and dynamic stress fields around the propagating cracks. Birefringent coatings were used to conduct the photoelastic study due to the opaqueness of the nanocomposites. Single-edge notch tension and modified compact tension specimens were used to obtain a broad range of crack velocities. Fractographic analysis was conducted to understand the fracture process. The results showed that crack arrest toughness in nanocomposites was 60% greater than in the matrix material. Crack propagation velocities prior to branching in nanocomposites were found to be 50% greater than those in polyester. © 2005 Society for Experimental Mechanics.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Experimental Mechanics

Volume

45

Issue

2

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