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Virginia Tech

Preliminary investigation into the cracking of polyurethane

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

It is known that the classical inverse square root singularity used in Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) is lost as a crack intersects a stress free surface. As a result, the stress and displacement equations are given as eigenvalue series expansions, with the lowest order eigenvalue dominating the series. The thickness averaged stress and surface displacement singularity exponents were determined for a commercially available polyurethane. Multiple specimen geometries were used to “benchmark” the optical methods. Tests have been run to determine the surface effect on a straight front crack. Results of these tests were compared with analytical results and related to LEFM concepts.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Engineering Mechanics
Department dc:contributor.department
Engineering Mechanics
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1987

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Theiss, Timothy J.

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-04122010-083619
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/42035

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Theiss, Timothy J.. Preliminary investigation into the cracking of polyurethane. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/42035