Tearing energy as fracture mechanical quantity for elastomers

Abstract

The fracture mechanical characterization of elastomeric materials is based on a global energy balance. Tearing energy was introduced in 1953 by Rivlin and Thomas to characterize the energy required for an infinitesimal increase in surface area during crack propagation. Enhancing the contributions of various energy dissipation mechanisms during the process of crack propagation is crucial for the understanding and modification of elastomeric materials with respect to an enhanced service life. Apart from the tearing energy, alternative fracture mechanical quantities based on the global energy balance are reviewed and discussed with respect to various influencing factors such as geometrical constraints of the specimen, specific loading conditions, and the specific material and its structural details. Finally, the application of advanced experimental methods characterizing the stages of crack initiation, propagation, and wear under more practical loading conditions are reviewed.