On validating peridynamic models and a phase-field model for dynamic brittle fracture in glass

Abstract

We test two peridynamic models and one phase field model against recent experimental tests on dynamic fracture/crack branching in glass induced by impact. We find important differences in results among the two peridynamic models (one using the meshfree discretization, the other being the LS-DYNA’s discontinuous-Galerkin implementation) and the phase-field model. We monitor the crack branching location, angle of crack branching, the time-profile of crack propagation speed, and some fine features seen experimentally: small twists/kinks in the crack paths near their end. The results shown here provide guidance in selecting the most appropriate solution method for dynamic brittle fracture in glass and explain likely reasons behind the failure of some of the models to correctly predict the observed behavior.