Multi-peeling states of elastic film from flexible substrate

Abstract

Application of an external tensile displacement at the end of an elastic film induces its peeled from the free (fixed) end of the cantilever flexible substrate to the fixed (free) end of it. This work proposes a theoretical model for studying this simple elastic system. The analysis results for the film peeled from free end to fixed end (FRFI) demonstrate a number of unknown and unexpected behaviors: (i) There are five basic types of peeling form depending on the flexural rigidity of the substrate, the elastic modulus and thickness of film and adhesive energy; (ii) Some peeling forms have two peeling states (the substrate has two deformed shapes and the pulling force has two values when the film is peeling off) for certain peeling front; (iii) When the film is peeled to a certain place, unstable dynamic peeling will occur. In comparison to FRFI, the results of the film peeled from the fixed to free end (FIFR) appear natural. The effect of flexural rigidity and adhesive energy on the peeling behavior of FIFR is larger.