On the Energy of Dynamic Fractures

Abstract

Abstract The validity of the constant propagation fracture energy postulation for dynamic fracture is discussed. As shown from existing direct and indirect experimental results, this assumption may not represent the physical reality. For spontaneous fractures, the fracture energy was shown to increase linearly with the crack length, and for dynamic fractures driven by known amplitude impulsive loading (generated by planar impact), the fracture energy was not a constant either. Despite of its phenomenogical origin, the Broberg’s theory developed for self-similar crack growth works well for both spontaneous fractures and dynamic fractures produced by well defined dynamic loading. In this theory, the fracture energy is not a constant. Furthermore, with given far-field loading or equivalent far-field loading, the crack speed is uniquely determined by a strength-like material parameter. This parameter is related to the cohesive strength as proposed by H. J. Gao for hyperelastic materials in the crack-tip process zone. It is proposed in this work that the strength-like parameter (or equivalently the constant fracture speed) is a better material parameter to describe the dynamic fracture propagation process for most dynamic fractures.