A simple model of the double cantilever beam crack propagation specimen

A very simple model of the double cantilever beam (dcb) dynamic crack propagation specimen is studied. The main assumption on which the model is based is that the arms of the dcb specimen deform as shear beams. The particular problem studied is the dynamic growth of a sharp crack from a blunt pre-crack with the ends of the specimen arms held at a fixed separation distance. It is demonstrated that this simple model predicts crack motion which is...