Imaging the stick–slip peeling of an adhesive tape under a constant load

Abstract

Using a high speed camera, we study the peeling dynamics of an adhesive tape under a constant load with a special focus on the so-called stick-slip regime of the peeling. It is the first time that the very fast motion of the peeling point is imaged. The speed of the camera, up to 16000 fps, allows us to observe and quantify the details of the peeling point motion during the stick and slip phases : stick and slip velocities, durations and amplitudes. First, in contrast with previous observations, the stick-slip regime appears to be only transient in the force controlled peeling. Additionally, we discover that the stick and slip phases have similar durations and that at high mean peeling velocity, the slip phase actually lasts longer than the stick phase. Depending on the mean peeling velocity, we also observe that the velocity change between stick and slip phase ranges from a rather sudden to a smooth transition. These new observations can help to discriminate between the various assumptions used in theoretical models for describing the complex peeling of an adhesive tape. The present imaging technique opens the door for an extensive study of the velocity controlled stick-slip peeling of an adhesive tape that will allow to understand the statistical complexity of the stick-slip in a stationary case.

Intermittent peel front dynamics and the crackling noise in an adhesive tape

“…This leads to clearly identifiable stick and slip phases, the former lasting much longer than the latter. However, recent work on imaging the peel point dynamics [9] shows that the ratio of the stick phase to the slip phase, is about two or even less than unity for high peel velocities. While all the known models of the peel process predict that the duration of the stick phase is longer than that of the slip phase, our model displays the experimentally observed feature.…”

“…Consequently, varied patterns of model acoustic signals are seen. Another consequence of the inclusion of the three time scales is that it explains the recent observation that the duration of the slip phase can be larger than that of the stick-phase [9]. Interestingly, the model studies show that it is possible to establish a correspondence between the various types of model acoustic energy profiles with certain peel front patterns.…”

“…These studies report a range of wave forms starting from saw tooth, sinusoidal or even irregular wave form that has been termed 'chaotic' [6]. More recently, the dynamics of the peel point has been imaged as well [9].…”

“…For instance, there are no models (even in the general area of stick-slip) which show that the duration of the stick phase can be equal to or even less than that of the slip phase [9], a feature which is quite unlike conventional stick-slip dynamics. From a dynamical point of view, this is also suggestive of the existence of at least three time scales.…”

Multiscale Stick-Slip Dynamics of Adhesive Tape Peeling

“…During these oscillations, transitions from quasistatic to dynamic crack propagation regimes may then develop [2], the latter being prone to trigger fracture front instabilities [3]. The stick-slip oscillations of the detachment front during the peeling of adhesive tape is another outstanding example, extensively studied [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. However, it remains nowadays an industrial concern, leading to unacceptable noise levels, damage to the adhesive and mechanical problems on assembly lines.…”