Dynamic Shear-Dominated, Supersonic Crack Growth in Bimaterial and Layered Systems and Relationship to Earthquake Rupture

Abstract

This paper describes experimental observations of various phenomena characteristic of dynamic intersonic decohesion of bimaterial interfaces. The optical method of coherent gradient sensing is used in conjunction with high speed photography to explore the nature of the large scale contact formation at the vicinity of a running crack in a PMMA/steel bimaterial system. Theoretical predictions of crack tip speed regimes where large scale contact is implied are confirmed. A physical model for intersonic crack propagation along bimaterial interfaces is presented and ratified in view of most recent experimental observations and theoretical developments.