Generation of Branched Cracks in PMMA Plate and Evaluation of the Strength

Abstract

The stress intensity factor for branched cracks formed in a PMMA plate under the influence of a static load was investigated using caustics method. Branched cracks with various shapes whose lengths were from 1 to 10 mm, were produced by applying a static load along different directions. The stress intensity factor for the cracks was experimentally evaluated, and the results proved that the caustic shadow pattern was mixed mode and that the stress intensity factor was independent of crack length under static loading conditions.