Numerical modeling of essential work of fracture on ductile polymeric films

Essential work of fracture method has been successfully used to characterize the fracture behavior of ductile polymeric films. The observed essential and non-essential fracture process zones are related to the toughness of the films. Three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) modeling has been carried out in this study to elucidate the film fracture process based on the essential work of fracture concept. Experimental observation on a model linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blown film was used to validate the FEM model. The numerical model facilitates an in-depth understanding of the development of stress and strain fields and the fracture process zones at different loading steps. The FEM findings show that film thickness and ligament length have significant influence on the development of stress and strain fields at and around the ligament area. Furthermore, the numerical analysis reveals how various material properties, such as yield stress and strain hardening slope, can influence the development of fracture process zones. Usefulness of FEM modeling for developing tough polymeric films is discussed.