A problem for a central crack in a plate subjected to plane strain conditions is investigated. Mode I crack loading is created by a dynamic pressure pulse applied at large distance from the crack. It was found that for a certain combination of amplitude and duration of the pulse applied, energy transmitted to the sample has a strongly marked minimum, meaning that with the pulse amplitude or duration moving away from the optimal values minimum energy required for initiation of crack growth increases rapidly. Results received indicate a possibility to optimize energy consumption of different industrial processes connected with fracture. Much could be gained in for example drilling or rock pounding where energy input accounts for the largest part of the process cost. Presumably further investigation of the effect observed can make it possible to predict optimal energy saving parameters, i.e., frequency and amplitude of impacts, for industrial devices, e.g., bores, grinding machines, etc. and hence significantly reduce the process cost. The prediction can be given based on the parameters of the media fractured (material parameters, prevalent crack length and orientation, etc.). (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2371-2380
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures
Volume44
Issue number7-8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2007

    Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials

    Research areas

  • Energy, Fracture dynamics, Incubation time, Rock

ID: 35931718