Chapter 10 – Strength of Elastomers

This chapter seeks to answer such questions as where and under what conditions does fracture begin, and what laws govern the growth of a crack once it has been initiated? First considered is the initiation of fracture from crack precursors, followed by the rate of development of cracks after initiation. The phenomenon of accelerated growth under dynamic stressing is also discussed. Then the effects of applied stresses and temperature of measurement are discussed, as well as other effects of the environment, notably the destructive action of ozone. Finally, a brief survey of abrasive wear is given.