Experimental Investigation of Dynamic Fracture Initiation in PMMA Submerged in Water

Abstract

The mode-I dynamic fracture response of notched PMMA plates submerged in water was investigated. The experimental setup utilized was designed to study underwater crack propagation with the aid of visualization techniques to obtain quantitative and qualitative results. High-speed imaging and the method of transmitted caustics were used to complete the measurements. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of surrounding water on the dynamic fracture behavior of samples as they were impacted. The properties measured to assess the effect of water were the stress intensity factor and crack speed in the initial stages of crack propagation. Experiments were also completed for samples surrounded by air for comparison purposes. Results showed that the presence of water had no effect on the fracture behavior of PMMA at strain rates of the order of 10 2 s -1 .

A Simple Energetic Approach to Describe Propagation of Fast‐running Cracks in Thermoplastic Polymers

“…Also in some other works dealing with PMMA a limited value of the mean crack propagation velocity was found …”

“…Also in some other works dealing with PMMA a limited value of the mean crack propagation velocity was found. [21][22][23] Furthermore, some experimental records point to the pronounced influence of the specimen geometry on the crack propagation kinetics, such as shown by Dear [13] for PMMA, PC, and PE by varying the specimen thickness and by Murphy and Ivankovic [24] for PMMA by varying the initial notch depth.…”

Celebrating 75 Years of the Society for Experimental Mechanics and the Study of Dynamic Behavior of Materials

“…The journal is highly international, publishing experimental and theoretical studies of metals [57], polymers [58], glasses [59], composites [60], granular materials [61], explosives [62], biological materials [63], geological materials [64], phase transitions [65], and structural response [66]. The journal includes application and development of techniques including split Hopkinson pressure bar/Kolsky bar [67], plate impact with light gas guns and powder guns [68], Taylor Anvil [69], Dynamic-TensileExtrusion [70], spectroscopy-and pyrometry-based shock temperature measurements [71], optical and X-ray imaging methods [72], interferometry and velocimetry techniques [73], dynamic fracture [74], laser based dynamic drivers [75], penetration and ballistics [76], equation of state [77], and spall failure [78].…”