English Abstract

Fracture Mechanics of Rubber

Katsuhiko TSUNODA
Research Department 1, Central Research, BRIDGESTONE Corporation
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2014),87(5),168-174 General Review in Japanese

Fracture mechanics in rubbery material is reviewed in terms of crack growth measurement. Fracture mechanics was developed focusing on energy balance, ignoring complex stress and strain field at the crack tip. However, it seems fundamental research activities for crack tip analysis are increasing in these days utilizing updated technologies. These challenges are also briefly reviewed finally.

Keywords: Elastomer, Rubber, Fracture, Rapture, Fatigue, Crack Growth, Tearing Energy, Life Prediction