Random beam lattice modeling method for catastrophic crack growth simulation of brittle-like materials

Abstract

A random and irregular beam lattice modeling method is developed to predict the crack growth process of brittle-like materials. The model representing the random degree of beam lattice model is defined, which is used to study the influence of lattice mesh on the crack path prediction results. In the simulation, the coupling interactionsamong cracks initiation and growth can be considered. Crack growth process of two double-edge notched specimens, respectively, under shear and tension and direct-tension were simulated and compared with the corresponding experimental results. By comparison of simulation and experimental results, effectiveness of the developed beam lattice modeling method is verified, and can be used to simulate crack growth for studying the fracture mechanisms of brittle-like materials. And the regular beam lattice model can affect the crack paths prediction, and random and irregular beam lattice model is more suitable for simulating crack growth.