Arrest, Deflection, Penetration and Reinitiation of Cracks in Brittle Layers Across Adhesive Interlayers

Published

November 30, 2007

Author(s)

James Lee, Isabel K. Lloyd, Herzl Chai, J G. Jung, Brian R. Lawn

Abstract

A layer structure consisting of two glass plates bonded with polymer-based adhesives and loaded at the upper surface with a line indenter is used to evaluate crack containment. Two adhesives are used, a low-modulus epoxy resin and a particle-filled composite. the adhesives arrest indentation-induced transverse cracks at the first interface. A substantially higher load is required to resume propagation beyond the second interface in the second glass layer. Delamination is not a principal failure mode. Nor is the operative mode of failure one of continuous crack penetration through the adhesive, but rather reinitiation of a secondary crack in the glass ahead of the arrested primary crack. A fracture mechanics analysis is presented to account for the essential elements of crack inhibition, and to identify critical material and layer thickness variables. It is confirmed that adhesives with lower modulus and higher thickness are most effective as crack arresters.

Citation

Acta Materialia

Volume

55

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

adhesive joining, crack containment, crack loading, crack penetration, crack reinitiation, glass

Citation

Lee, J. , Lloyd, I. , Chai, H. , Jung, J. and Lawn, B. (2007), Arrest, Deflection, Penetration and Reinitiation of Cracks in Brittle Layers Across Adhesive Interlayers, Acta Materialia, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=851035 (Accessed October 6, 2025)