A RUBBER WEDGE UNDER THE COMPRESSION OF A LINE LOAD

Using the constitutive equation of rubber-like materials given by Gao (1990, Theoretical Appl. Fract. Mech. 14, 219-231), this paper investi gates the problem of a wedge (or notch) under the compression of a lin e load at its tip. The problem was treated as a plane strain case and the large deformation was taken into account. The asymptotic solution to the stress-strain field near a wedge apex (or a notch comer) is obt ained. It is revealed that under compression of a line load, a notch c omer will be locally closed, i.e. the notch surface will contact each other. Under a similar load, the wedge tip will be shrivelled to form a locally closed notch, i.e. the V-shaped wedge apex will become W-sha ped.