On opening crack propagation in viscoelastic solids

Abstract

We show that the Persson-Brener theory of crack propagation in viscoelastic solids gives a viscoelastic fracture energy factor $G/G_0=1+f$ which is nearly the same as the viscoelastic factor obtained using the cohesive-zone model. We also discuss finite-size effects and comment on the use of crack propagation theories for "solids" with a viscoelastic modulus that vanishes at zero frequency.

5 pages, 5 figures