Dynamic visualization of crack propagation and bridging stress using the mechano-luminescence of SrAl₂O₄: (Eu,Dy,Nd)

The goal of the present investigation was to visualize the propagating crack in a mechano-luminescence (ML) material to enable the measurement of instantaneous R-curves and directly observe the bridging (shielding) stress in a fast-propagating crack system. The well-known ML compound, SrAl ₂O₄: Eu²⁺, was used as a model test material. Two additional trivalent rare earth elements, Dy and Nd, were introduced as co-dopants to improve the luminescent efficiency. The initiation and growth of a crack from the mechanically machined sharp notch tip in a disc shaped compact tension (CT) specimen at a relatively high loading rate were found to be associated with the extent of light emission around the crack. An in-situ measurement of crack length and applied load for 0.3 sec yielded an instantaneous R-curve at the conventional crack propagation speed.