Computer Modeling of Microscopic Failure Processes Under Dynamic Loads

Abstract

High rate failure of structural materials takes place by rate processes occurring on the microlevel and involving nucleation, growth, and coalescence of voids, cracks, or shear bands. We have constructed computational models describing these processes and have used these models to predict macroscopic failure behavior in many materials under compressive, tensile, and shear loading conditions. This paper reviews the microphenom-enology of dynamic failure, describes the approach used to obtain equations for the rate processes, and indicates the success of the resulting computer models in predicting dynamic failure behavior.