Estimating the Initial Crack Size in a Particulate Composite Material: An Analytical and Experimental Approach

In this study, a technique to predict the equivalent initial crack size (EICS) in a particulate composite material, containing hard particles embedded in a rubber matrix, was developed using constant strain rate crack propagation test data. The accuracy of the developed technique was determined. In addition, the statistical distribution of the equivalent initial crack size follows the second asymptotic distribution of maximum value.