An experimental study of the fracture behavior of particulate reinforced composites using digital image correlation

This study aims to investigate the fracture behavior of particulate reinforced composites to determine resistance properties. It is important to evaluate the crack propagation characteristics of the materials under various temperatures and strain rates. The tests using a wedge splitting specimen are conducted under temperatures ranging from 60 °C to −60 °C and strain rates of 5 and 50 mm/min. KI is calculated using an equation suggested by ASTM (American society for testing and materials) E399. The splitting loads and crack resistance for crack extension at various temperatures are estimated. Also, the crack tip opening angle is calculated from the crack tip opening displacement and crack extension measured via the optical method. The crack tip opening angle consists of an unstable and stable region by which the critical crack tip opening angle can be determined. In addition, digital image correlation is used to calculate the strain fields around the crack tip as well as the whole specimen.