Spontaneous Propagation Distance of Peeling Cracks

Abstract

There are two different stages in the peeling of specimens bonded with rubbery adhesive layer. First, peeling starts with production of an initial crack, then the peeling continues with the crack propagation if external force is exerted. Each process obeys different mechanical laws. This study found that there is a transient stage connecting the two stages during it the initial crack propagates spontaneously. The spontaneously propagating crack was observed by high-speed camera. Converting elastic energy of elongated adhesive layer into surface energy, the crack extends. The effect of energy dissipation occurring around the crack tip was discussed using a mechanical model, and the results were compared with the experimental data. Distance of crack propagation was shortened according to an exponential function of the energy dissipation.