A molecular dynamics/extended finite element method for dynamic crack propagation

A multiscale method is presented which couples a molecular dynamics approach for describing fracture at the crack tip with an extended finite element method for discretizing the remainder of the domain. After recalling the basic equations of molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics the discretizat...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pascal Aubertin, Julien Réthoré, René de Borst
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Publishing House for Science and Technology 2008-12-01
Series:Vietnam Journal of Mechanics
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Online Access:https://vjs.ac.vn/index.php/vjmech/article/view/5626
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Summary:A multiscale method is presented which couples a molecular dynamics approach for describing fracture at the crack tip with an extended finite element method for discretizing the remainder of the domain. After recalling the basic equations of molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics the discretization is discussed for the continuum subdomain where the partition-of-unity property of finite element shape functions is used, since in this fashion the crack in the wake of its tip is naturally modelled as a traction-free discontinuity. Next, the zonal coupling method between the atomistic and continuum models is described, including an assessment of the energy transfer between both domains for a one-dimensional problem. Finally, a two-dimensional computation is presented of dynamic fracture using the coupled model.
ISSN:0866-7136
2815-5882