Brittle fracture development through sets of preexisting small-scale cracks under quasi-static and dynamic impact loading

Abstract

Fracture development and its possible relation with wave motion in a brittle rectangular solid material with sets of preexisting small-scale parallel cracks are investigated. Experimental observations using high-speed cameras under external quasi-static tensile or dynamic impact loading conditions indicate that depending on the inclination angle, length and distribution pattern of cracks, fractures evolve considerably differently. Quasi-static load generally produces dynamic or quasi-static primary fracture with ensuing dynamic secondary retrograde fractures that are initiated at distant positions. Fractures can be arrested and jump easily, often resulting in clusters. Impact-related waves can induce primary fracture moving in both prograde and retrograde directions.