Fig. 5: Delayed fracture in hybrid networks. | Communications Physics

Fig. 5: Delayed fracture in hybrid networks.

From: Mechanical cooperation between time-dependent and covalent bonds in molecular damage of polymer networks

Fig. 5

a Stretch versus time for applied stress σ/G0. Initially networks respond elastically with a deformation λ ≈ σ/G0 + 1, before entering a secondary creep phase with constant creep rate \(\dot{\epsilon }\), shown in the inset. Networks fail after time tb, at which point the stretch increases drastically. b Breaking time tb as a function of the applied stress σ/G0. Errorbars are on the order of the graph point size. Inset shows tb as a function of σ−2.c–f Snapshots of the simulation showing the gradual errision of bonds and growth of the local strain field near the locus of ultimate fracture nucleation. Bonds are colored according to their non-affine square displacement Δr2.

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