Dynamics of fracture in dissipative systems

Abstract

Dynamics of fracture in two-dimensional systems is studied with a dissipative network model by including the local relaxation of the force field via Maxwellian viscoelasticity. In addition to disorder the fundamentals of crack formation and propagation depend on the strength of dissipation compared to the loading rate. We investigate the dynamics of a single crack and the role of stress reduction at the crack tip when dissipation is increased. As a consequence, the crack starts to propagate slowly and it reaches terminal velocity later. If the relaxation of local forces is strong enough compared with crack velocity, crack arrest takes place. For a disordered system, the presence of strong dissipation in local dynamics is reflected as ductility and as an increase in the damage, accumulated during the fracture process.