The Influence of Temperature and Crack Path Deviation on the Fatigue Crack Growth of a Non-crystallizing Rubber

Abstract This study presents an investigation of the displacement-driven fatigue behavior of a non-crystallizing rubber under various temperature conditions. Surprisingly, fatigue crack growth (FCG) experiments revealed an unexpected decrease in FCG rate and significant crack path deviations at higher temperatures. To explore this phenomenon, tear fracture experiments were conducted at various temperatures. Experimental observations revealed a notable decrease in fracture resistance at elevated temperatures. Subsequently, finite element methods were employed to simulate the impact of crack path deviation on rubber fatigue, revealing that it reduces the tearing energy at the crack tip. Our investigation focused on the interaction between temperature and crack path deviation and its influence on rubber fatigue. The critical role of crack path deviations at elevated temperatures in prolonging FCG was emphasized.