Abstract: A method of determining the crack growth life of a thin, polymeric material is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a sample of the thin, polymeric material having a predetermined length, width and thickness. A groove is then formed in the sample followed by the formation of a crack in the groove. The sample is then secured in a test apparatus that cycles the sample in a bending mode at a predetermined frequency. The crack length is measured in the sample after a predetermined number of cycles. The crack growth data is collected over a period of cycles to determine the crack growth life in the sample.

Abstract: A test fixture, test apparatus, and test method utilize a radially cut tire section that is mounted and sealed to a test jig in a airtight manner such that an air chamber is formed between an innerliner surface of the radial tire section and a recessed portion of the jig body such that the tire section may be pressurized on the test jig. A test surface is provided and either the test surface or the test jig is moveable relative to the other to the other to provide a dynamic load to the radial tire sections.