ECCOMAS 2024

A phase field fracture approach coupled with a multiscale anisotropic polymer network model

  • Linder, Christian (Stanford University)
  • Kammardi Arunachala, Prajwal (Stanford University)

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This presentation focuses on modeling fracture in rubber-like materials, emphasizing their diverse applications in engineering fields and emerging areas like stretchable electronics, soft robotics, and implantable sensors. The intricate polymer chain network contributes to unique material properties, complicating precise behavior modeling. Our study proposes a multiscale fracture model for elastomers, considering anisotropic network responses. Microscale damage is driven by chain entropy and internal energy. We use a maximal advance path constraint network model to connect microscale stretching to macroscale deformation, accommodating anisotropy. The macroscale fracture is driven by micromorphic regularization theory, introducing local-global damage variables. The model is validated using double-edge notched tensile tests and compared with experimental data. Uniaxial tensile experiments on PDMS rubber films with notches are conducted, and simulations are compared with experimental observations. Visualization of stretch and damage evolution in chains oriented differently assesses predictive capacity. Results are compared with alternative models, demonstrating the utility of our approach in accurately simulating rubber-like material fracture behavior.