Application of a nonlinear viscoelastic model with material properties depending on strains in lengthwise fracture analyses of inhomogeneous beams

This paper describes the use of a nonlinear viscoelastic model with material properties depending on the strains in the lengthwise fracture analysis of an inhomogeneous cantilever beam structure. The viscoelastic model is obtained by placing a nonlinear spring and a nonlinear dashpot in parallel to a series of a linear spring and a linear dashpot. The modulus of elasticity of the nonlinear spring and the coefficient of viscosity of the nonlinear dashpot depend on strains. The strain energy release rate is determined. The balance of the energy is analyzed to prove the correctness of the strain energy release rate solution.