Determination of Energy Release Rate Through Sequential Crack Extension

Abstract

A method to determine the critical energy release rate of a peel tested sample using an energy-based approach within a finite element framework is developed. The method uses a single finite element model, in which the external work, elastic strain energy, and inelastic strain energy are calculated as nodes along the crack interface are sequentially decoupled. The energy release rate is calculated from the conservation of energy. By using a direct, energy-based approach, the method can account for large plastic strains and unloading, both of which are common in peel tests. The energy rates are found to be mesh dependent; mesh and convergence strategies are developed to determine the critical energy release rate. An example of the model is given in which the critical energy release rate of a 10-μm thick electroplated copper thin film bonded to a borosilicate glass substrate which exhibited a 3.0 N/cm average peel force was determined to be 20.9 J/m2.