From Bulk to Structural Failure: Fracture of Hyperelastic Materials

This thesis investigates the fracture of nearly incompressible hyperelastic media. It covers different characteristics bulk material failure under dilatational or distortional loads and develops a unified description corresponding surface. proposes coupled strain energy criterion for assessment notch-induced crack nucleation presents weak interface model that allows efficient stress, analyses adhesive lap joints. Theoretical concepts measurement properties nonlinear elastic materials are provided. The methodology is developed using two exemplary silicones, DOWSIL 993 Structural Glazing Sealant Transparent Silicone Adhesive, validated large sets experiments loading conditions.