Strain rate effects on dynamic fracture and strength

An experimental procedure and accompanying theoretical analysis is presented to produce a well-characterized technique for quantifying dynamic fracture properties of quasi-brittle materials. An analytical and experimental investigation of mode I fracture of concrete was conducted under the dynamic loading of a split Hopkinson pressure bar. Fracture specimens in the form of notched-cavity splitting tension cylinders were subjected to stress wave loading that produced strain rates nearing 10/s. Fracture parameters were extracted by the application of the two-parameter fracture model, a nonlinear fracture model for quasi-brittle materials. Finite element analysis verified the experimental configuration and addressed inertial contributions within the dynamic environment. Ultra-high-speed digital photography was synchronized with the fracture process to provide additional validation and insight to the experimental technique. Results show that the effective fracture toughness and specimen strength both increase significantly with loading rate. The numeric and photographic results validate the experimental technique as a new tool in determining rate dependent material properties.