Fracture Mechanics: Materials and Testing

This lecture covers the basics of fracture mechanics, including Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics (EPFM). It explores the challenges of testing ductile materials and elastomers, introducing the Essential Work of Fracture (EWF) method. The lecture delves into the theory and practice of fracture testing for rubbers and gels, discussing the characterization of ductile materials and the relationship between fracture energy and crack propagation. It also examines the constraints of shear geometry and the equivalence between fracture parameters. The micromechanisms of fracture in elastomers are explored, highlighting the importance of chain scission and energy dissipation.