Measurement of the shear and tensile fracture properties of leaves of pasture grasses

The shear fracture properties of leaves of pasture grasses were measured using a shearing device consisting of 2 blades at fixed angles. The mechanics of the shearing process were examined with both paper and leaves of Festuca arundinacea. The investigations indicated that the intrinsic strength of the material being cut is best represented as force exerted during the cut divided by the length of the cutting blade in contact with the material. Tensile fracture properties of leaves of 5 pasture grasses were measured, and the relationship between tensile and shear properties was examined. Intrinsic shear strength was weakly negatively correlated with tensile strength.