Investigation of the influence of non-uniform strain zone on the crack propagation of PMMA material based on 2D-DIC

Hole defects can lead to non-uniform strain distribution under the impact load, thereby influencing crack propagation behavior. In this paper, 2D-DIC technology was employed to examine the effects of holes of varying sizes and loading rates on crack dynamics in PMMA materials, aiming to elucidate detailed knowledge into the characteristics of crack propagation under complex strain fields. Through DIC analyses, the dynamic evolution of strain fields around the crack tip and hole periphery could be precisely captured, enabling tracking of crack propagation behavior including crack propagation velocity, crack propagation path, and crack deflection angle. It is concluded that the non-uniform strain zones generated by holes exert both inhibitory and attracting effects on crack growth. The influence of non-uniform strain zones on crack propagation increases with the elevation of loading rate and hole size. However, as the loading rate increases, the kinetic energy of the crack itself also increases, necessitating sufficiently large hole sizes to effectively influence crack propagation. Overall, this study provides a detailed experimental explanation of the effects of holes on cracks, which will aid engineers in maximizing the positive impact of holes on material performance and their application in the design of microstructure materials.