Non steady-state intersonic cracks in elastomer membranes under large static strain

Dynamic crack propagation in elastomer membranes is investigated; the focus laid on cracks reaching speed of shear waves material. The specific experimental setup developed to measure presented details. protocol consists (1) stretching an membrane under planar tension loading conditions, then (2) initiating a small one side membrane. measured all along path both reference and actual configurations, including acceleration deceleration phases, i.e. non steady-state phases. influence prescribed stretch ratio analysed light these new experiments few previously published studies. Conclusions drawn for growth are extended conditions: perpendicular governs intersonic regime, role direction minor.