Fracture surface energies using laser-induced cracks

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Abstract
This paper shows that it is possible to use a laser to introduce disc cracks into the bulk of transparent solids and to use them for fracture surface energy measurements. The cracks are symmetric and have the shape usually described in theoretical models as ‘penny-shaped’. In the experiments reported here specimens of polymethylmethacrylate and glass containing single disc cracks were investigated. An important feature of this new method is that the growth of an internal crack, isolated from external environmental effects, is followed. The internal environment of the cracks was examined by mass spectrometry. By varying specimen geometry it was possible to test theoretical predictions for the effect of finite specimen size on the growth of ‘penny-shaped’ cracks in three-dimensional specimens.

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