De-localizing brittle fracture. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salman, O.U.; Truskinovsky, L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanics and physics of solids. Volume 154(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Metamaterials -- Quasi-brittleness -- Ductility -- Microcracking -- Damage -- Fracture -- High gradients -- Phase-field; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Solids -- Periodicals; Mechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Solides -- Périodiques; Mechanics, Applied; Solids; Periodicals; 531.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2021.104517
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5096

Abstract

Abstract: Extreme localization of damage in conventional brittle materials is the source of a host of undesirable effects. We show how artificially engineered metamaterials with brittle constituents can be designed to ensure that every breakable sub-element fails independently. The main role in the proposed design is played by high contrast composite sub-structure with zero-stiffness, furnishing nonlocal stress redistribution. The ability to de-localize cracking in such nominally brittle systems can be linked to the fact that their continuum description is dominated by the gradient (bending) rather than classical (stretching) elasticity. By engineering a crossover from brittle to effectively ductile (quasi-brittle) behavior, we reveal the structural underpinning behind the difference of fracture and damage.