Abstract
The relationship of fracture stress to mirror size for Columbia Resin, CR-39, is investigated. The fracture mirror constant is influenced by strain rate and test temperature, and gives values of 3.28 and 2.87 MN m−3/2 for static and impact tests at room temperature, and 1.36 MN m−3/2 for static tests at −150° C. The fracture surface energy for the initiation of unstable fracture decreases at high loading rate and at low temperature. Fractographic observations made on the fracture surface show some characteristic features reflecting the microstructure of this thermosetting plastic. The changes in the mirror constant and the fracture surface energy are discussed from the viewpoint of fracture mechanics.
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