Toughening Mechanisms in Soft Materials: 7 Key Insights from Energy Release Rate Analysis
1. Introduction The study of toughening mechanisms in macroscale heterogeneous soft materials has gained significant importance due to their widespread applications in bioinspired systems, flexible electronics, soft robotics, and wearable devices. Understanding how these materials resist crack propagation requires a deep investigation into their structural heterogeneity, deformation behavior, and energy release rate characteristics. This research topic provides foundational insight into how material architecture, interfacial bonding, and microstructural variations contribute to toughness enhancement. By analyzing the energy absorption and dissipation pathways, researchers can uncover critical design strategies to optimize material performance, durability, and functional resilience under diverse mechanical conditions. 2. Energy Release Rate as a Tool for Evaluating Toughness Energy release rate plays a central role in understanding fracture behavior in heterogeneous soft materi...