A Tentative Method for Determination of Cohesive Zone Properties in Soft Materials

A method is outlined for the determination of cohesive zone properties in soft materials. The goal of the study was to extend earlier work assuming linear kinematics and linear elasticity to include non-linear kinematics and finite elasticity. Explicit results for cohesive traction determination are given and discussed. A comparison is made between expressing the cohesive law in a Lagrangian or an Eulerian description, respectively. Some implications of either choice are discussed. Two suitable geometries for experimental use are analysed as examples of the method.