Crack path engineering using viscoelastic target layers for enhanced damage tolerance in multilayer rubber composites
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Interfacial cracking in multilayer viscoelastic composites often leads to sudden structural failure, yet conventional strategies focus mainly on strengthening interfaces rather than controlling crack trajectory. This study introduces a viscoelastic crack-path engineering approach that deliberately redirects unstable interfacial cracks into a compliant target layer, converting catastrophic interfacial delamination into stable cohesive damage. Three target-layer compounds with identical hardness but varied fracture resistance (Gc), and energy release rate (G), Weak (Gc/G ≈ 1 J/m 2 ), Semi-Strong (Gc/G ≈ 2.5 J/m 2 ), and Strong (Gc/G ≈ 2.85 J/m 2 ) were designed to provide systematic change for crack path selection. The toughest compound benefited from a combination of high viscoelastic dissipation and strain-induced crystallization capability. A two-tier predictive criterion, based on the ratios G target /G ply and Gc ,target /Gc ,ply (1.74–4.42), was formulated to quantify primary crack deflection tendencies and secondary path selection. Peel tests on two-layer laminates validated the model: the Weak compound consistently directed cracks into the target layer whereas the Semi-Strong and Strong formulations displayed interface-dominated or alternating failure modes. Finally, full-scale motorcycle tire endurance and high-speed testing confirmed the scalability and engineering relevance of the proposed design methodology.
Source: Materials & Design
Institution: Tarbiat Modares University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
Funder: Tarbiat Modares University
OpenAlex ID: W7128634641