Rate-dependent crack growth in adhesives II. Experiments and analysis

Results of a combined experimental and numerical study of the rate-dependent fracture behavior of thermoplastic bonded joints are presented. Double cantilever beam joints bonded with a high-density polyethylene based adhesive were investigated, and a rate-dependent crack growth behavior was found in tests under constant loading rates. In tests with variable loading rate, stress relaxation effects had considerable influence on the crack growth behavior. A rate-dependent cohesive zone model is applied to the analysis of these rate effects during crack growth.