Expansion of cracks in chicken eggs exposed to sub-atmospheric pressure

► The behaviour of cracked eggs exposed to sub-atmospheric pressure was studied. ► The eggshell membrane plays an important role in the expansion of existing cracks. ► Small pressure drops cause only membrane stretching and reversible crack expansion. ► Large pressure drop cause membrane tearing and irreversible crack expansion. ► The air cell enclosed at the blunt-end plays an important role in the crack expansion.