Hard magnetics in ultra-soft magnetorheological elastomers enhance fracture toughness and delay crack propagation

Moreno Mateos MA, Hossain M, Steinmann P, Garcia-Gonzalez D (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids Elsevier

Book Volume: 173

Article Number: 105232

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2023.105232

Abstract

Pre-existing flaws in highly stretchable elastomers trigger fracture under large deformations. For multifunctional materials, fracture mechanics may be influenced by additional physical phenomena. This work studies the implications of hard magnetics on the fracture behaviour of ultra-soft magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). We experimentally demonstrate that MREs with remanent magnetisation have up to a 50% higher fracture toughness than non pre-magnetised samples. Moreover, we report crack closure due to the magnetic field as a mechanism that delays the opening of cracks in pre-magnetised MREs. To overcome experimental limitations and provide further understanding, a phase-field model for the fracture of MREs is conceptualised. The numerical model incorporates magneto-mechanical coupling to demonstrate that the stress concentration at the crack tip is smaller when the MRE is pre-magnetised. Overall, this work unveils intriguing applications for functional actuators, with better fracture behaviour and potential better performance under cyclic loading.

Authors with CRIS profile

Miguel Moreno Mateos Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik (LTM) Paul Steinmann Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik (LTM)

Involved external institutions

Swansea University GB United Kingdom (GB) Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) ES Spain (ES)

How to cite

APA:

Moreno Mateos, M.A., Hossain, M., Steinmann, P., & Garcia-Gonzalez, D. (2023). Hard magnetics in ultra-soft magnetorheological elastomers enhance fracture toughness and delay crack propagation. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2023.105232

MLA:

Moreno Mateos, Miguel Angel, et al. "Hard magnetics in ultra-soft magnetorheological elastomers enhance fracture toughness and delay crack propagation." Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 173 (2023).

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