Dynamic Crack Propagation along Elastic Interfaces in Double Cantilever Beams under High Loading Rates

The dynamic mode-I energy release rate of cracks propagating along elastic interfaces in double cantilever beams under high loading rates is derived analytically for the first time by accounting for structural vibration, wave propagation, and the Doppler effect along with the assumption of crack tip energy conservation. The developed theory can be used to study the "stick-slip" crack propagation behavior commonly observed in experiments, a progression of crack initiation, propagation, arrest, and reinitiation. In addition, the developed theory can be applied to measure crack initiation toughness as well as crack arrest toughness. The developed theory is verified against results from finite-element-method simulations of two experimental cases under high loading rates, demonstrating the excellent ability of the developed theory in capturing the crack propagation behavior as well as the ability in assessing dynamic mode-I energy release rate.