Nonlinear finite element analysis of crack growth at the interface of rubber-like bimaterials

This paper presents the characteristics of the crack growth at the interface of rubber-rubber and rubber-steel bimaterials under tensile deformation using the non-linear finite element method. By using the commercial finite element software ABAQUS, the J integral calculations are carried out for the initial interface crack in the interfaces in-between two Neo-Hookean materials, two Mooney-Rivlin materials, Neo-Hookean and Mooney-Rivlin rubbers, Neo-Hookean and Polynomial, Mooney-Rivlin and Polynomial, and the Mooney-Rivlin and steel bi-materials. The computational results of the maximum J integral direction around the crack tip illustrate the possible direction of crack growth initiation. Furthermore, it is found that the crack bends to the softer rubber material at a certain angle with the initial crack direction if the crack depth is relatively small. For the crack with a larger depth, the crack propagates to grow along the interface in-between the bimaterials.