Abstract

A method for the investigation of crack initiation, propagation and arrest under short pulse loading conditions is given. Experimentally a modified version of the Hopkinson-bar technique has been used in connection with suitable methods for measuring the instantaneous crack length. The main advantage of the Hopkinson-bar technique, the use of nearly plane waves, is maintained here. For the interpretation of the experimental data in terms of fracture mechanics a numerical elastodynamic analysis is used. By comparison with analytical solutions the applicability of the numerical method has been verified. Preliminary results obtained for a structural steel and PMMA are presented.

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