Mixed-Mode Fracture in a Rubbery Particulate Composite

Abstract

Often cracks in rubbery particulate composites are found in the propellant grain of rocket motors and experience mixed-mode loading. These composites are made from a rubbery matrix with a high volume of rigid particles (70-80%). The cracks threaten structural integrity and can grow to catastrophic failure. Refinements in our predictive abilities yield cost savings by improving service life predictions. This work uses an approximate analysis to examine the crack behavior. This approach is practical and useful because it can be put to widespread use in industry.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 24, 1999
Accession Number
ADA409497

Entities

People

  • Timothy C. Miller

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Composite Materials
  • Crack Tips
  • Cracks
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fracture (Mechanics)
  • J Integrals
  • Mechanics
  • Military Research
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Propellant Grains
  • Strain Rate
  • Stress Intensity Factors
  • Stress Strain Relations
  • Stresses
  • Toughness

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Systems Analysis and Design