Simulation of crack propagation in the filled elastomer

Abstract

The results of computer simulation of the process of macrocrack growth in an elastomeric nanocomposite and its interaction with strands that can occur between adjacent closely spaced filler particles during material tension are presented. The hypothesis that under uniaxial tension the elastomer is able to withstand significantly greater loads compared to other types of stress state (at the same intensity of deformation) was used in the simulation. A strength criterion depended on characteristics of the stress-strain state of elastomer (maximum strength is achieved with uniaxial tension) was developed to take this effect into account. Numerical studies showed that with a fairly close approach of the macrocrack front to the gap between filler particles, the formation of a reinforced strand is possible there, connecting the “shores” of the macrocrack and, accordingly, preventing its further progress. It is well known that the addition of a rigid filler to the elastomer allows the resulting composite to withstand a significantly higher external load compared to unfilled material. This is due to the fact that in a material without filler, nothing prevents the growth of macrocrack. But in an elastomeric composite, the microstrands that occur between the filler particles can delay its spread.