Dynamic Crack Processes via Molecular Dynamics

S. J. Zhou; P. S. Lomdahl; R. Thomson; B. L. Holian

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.76.2318

Dynamic Crack Processes via Molecular Dynamics

S. J. Zhou, P. S. Lomdahl, R. Thomson, and B. L. Holian

Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 2318 – Published 25 March 1996

Abstract

From large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations of dynamic crack propagation, we find that cracks accelerate quickly to a relatively steady velocity. Energy released by bond breaking accumulates in a local phonon field that moves with the crack tip and promotes the emission of dislocations. Branching follows dislocation emission along a slip plane. The branching instability requires the crack to achieve a critical velocity, as well as an induction time for energy buildup at the crack tip.

Received 11 October 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.76.2318

Authors & Affiliations

S. J. Zhou¹, P. S. Lomdahl¹, R. Thomson², and B. L. Holian¹

¹Theoretical Division and Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
²Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899