Crack and pull-off dynamics of adhesive, viscoelastic solids

Abstract When quickly detaching an elastomer from a counterface, viscoelasticity dramatically increases the perceived adhesion relative to its adiabatic or equilibrium value. Here, we report simulations on sticking contact between rigid cylinder and viscoelastic half space revealing maximum in work of separation at intermediate pull-off velocities. Maximum tensile forces yet increase monotonically with speed crack tip accordance Persson-Brener approach. As predicted theoretically, fracture mode transitions interfacial propagation quasi-uniform bond breaking increasing range adhesion.