Analysis of brittle fracture of foam polystyrene plates with holes

A series of experiments was conducted on brittle fracture of foam polystyrene plates in uniform uniaxial tension and in the presence of stress concentration near slits and holes. Experimental data were analyzed using a numerical algorithm because the ratio between the dimensions of the holes and those of the plates differed from that in known problems for infinite planes and strips with holes. The experimental and calculated data are compared.