Mixed-mode fracture of brittle cellular materials

Dimensional argument analysis and near-tip singular in-plane shear stress of a continuum model have been employed to derive the expression for mode II fracture toughness of brittle cellular materials. It was found that both mode I and II fracture toughnesses have the same dependence on cell size, relative density and modulus of rupture of solid cell walls, except a microstructure coefficient included in their expressions. In addition, the linear superposition principle was applied to calculate the bending moment exerted at the first unbroken cell wall for brittle cellular materials under a combined loading of uniform tensile and in-plane shear stresses. The resulting mixed-mode fracture criterion was compared to existing experimental data in PVC foams; agreement was found to be good.