Modelling crack propagation during relaxation of viscoelastic material

Abstract A viscoelastic material which is stretched and then held at constant elongation, normally results in decreasing stresses till the equilibrium has been reached. With a crack propagation not expected as energy of system decreasing. However, an initial damage could lead to increase mechanical load on undamaged chains during relaxation, leading degradation propagation. While experimental investigations have presented literature, modelling such effect thoroughly investigated. In this work, framework for evolution relaxation presented. model coupled with phase field For simplicity, linear implemented part. mobility employed changing relaxation. The can be interpreted polymer get damaged. Different conditions geometries are simulated, shows that proposed able Thus, help numerical physical explanation failure Graphical abstract